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 and exported €81.3bn.
Trade with the US fell 5% to €240bn, partly influenced by tariff disputes.
Friedrich Merz will visit Beijing for his first trip as chancellor.
He is scheduled to meet Xi Jinping and Li Qiang for talks on trade, Ukraine and human rights.
A delegation of major business leaders will accompany him.
Germany’s car industry remains deeply tied to the Chinese market.
Companies such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz rely heavily on Chinese sales and production.
The shift comes as the EU tries to reduce dependence on China for key materials and technology.
Tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles have so far had limited impact on imports.
Berlin’s economic priorities continue to complicate a tougher trade stance toward Beijing.
