China has regained its position as Germany’s top trading partner, overtaking the United States in 2025.
Total trade between Germany and China reached €251bn, according to official data.
German imports from China were far higher than exports.
Imports stood at €170.6bn, while exports to China reached €81.3bn.
Trade with the US fell 5% to €240bn, partly linked to tariffs.
Friedrich Merz will travel to Beijing for his first official visit as chancellor.
He is scheduled to meet Xi Jinping and Li Qiang for talks on trade, Ukraine and human rights.
A delegation of major German business leaders will accompany him.
Germany’s car industry remains deeply tied to the Chinese market.
Companies such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz depend heavily on Chinese sales and production.
The figures highlight Europe’s struggle to reduce economic reliance on China.
EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles have so far had limited impact on trade flows.
