China has overtaken the United States as Germany’s largest trading partner in 2025.
Total trade between Germany and China reached €251bn, according to official figures.
Trade with the US fell to €240bn after a 5% decline.
Germany imported €170.6bn in goods from China but exported only €81.3bn.
The growing imbalance highlights Berlin’s continued dependence on Chinese manufacturing.
Friedrich Merz will travel to Beijing for his first visit since taking office.
He is scheduled to meet Xi Jinping and Li Qiang for talks on trade, Ukraine and human rights.
Germany’s car industry remains deeply tied to the Chinese market.
Companies such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen rely heavily on Chinese production and sales.
The EU is trying to reduce strategic dependence on China, especially for critical minerals and electric-vehicle supply chains.
However, Germany’s economic interests make a tougher trade stance difficult.
Merz will travel with a large business delegation, signalling a focus on dialogue and continued cooperation.
