China has overtaken the United States as Germany’s largest trading partner.
Total trade between Germany and China reached €251bn in 2025, according to official data.
German imports from China were far higher than exports.
Imports stood at €170.6bn, while exports reached €81.3bn.
Trade with the US fell to €240bn, partly linked to tariff tensions.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Beijing for talks with Xi Jinping and Li Qiang.
He is expected to discuss Ukraine, human rights and trade relations.
Business leaders from major German firms will join the visit.
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 EU is trying to reduce reliance on China for key materials and manufacturing.
However, Germany’s economic interests make a tougher trade stance difficult.
