China has overtaken the United States as Germany’s top trading partner in 2025.
Total trade between Germany and China reached €251bn, according to official data.
Germany imported €170.6bn in goods from China but exported only €81.3bn.
Trade with the US fell to €240bn, partly influenced by American tariffs.
Friedrich Merz will visit Beijing for talks with Xi Jinping and Li Qiang.
He plans to discuss Ukraine, human rights and economic relations.
A large business delegation will join the trip.
German carmakers remain 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.
It has introduced tariffs on electric vehicles and is considering further trade measures.
Germany has taken a more cautious approach to protect its industrial base.
The figures highlight both the strength and the imbalance in the relationship.
They also show how global trade tensions are reshaping Europe’s largest economy.
