China has overtaken the United States as Germany’s biggest trading partner.
Trade between Germany and China reached €251bn in 2025, according to official figures.
German imports from China totalled about €170.6bn.
Exports to China were far lower at €81.3bn.
Trade with the US fell to €240bn, partly linked to new tariffs.
Friedrich Merz will visit Beijing this week for talks with Xi Jinping and Li Qiang.
He is expected to discuss Ukraine, human rights and economic relations.
Germany’s car industry remains deeply tied to the Chinese market.
Companies such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz rely heavily on Chinese production and sales.
The EU is trying to reduce dependence on China for key materials and technology.
However, Germany’s industrial interests make a tougher trade stance difficult.
Business leaders will accompany Merz on the trip, signalling Berlin’s focus on cooperation despite growing strategic tensions.
