China has overtaken the United States as Germany’s largest trading partner in 2025.
Trade between Berlin and Beijing reached €251bn, according to official data.
Germany imported €170.6bn in goods from China but exported only €81.3bn.
Trade with the US fell 5% to €240bn, partly influenced by tariff tensions.
Friedrich Merz will travel to Beijing for his first visit as chancellor.
He is scheduled to meet Xi Jinping and premier Li Qiang for talks on trade, Ukraine and human rights.
A delegation of German 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 production and sales.
The EU is trying to reduce strategic dependence on China, especially for critical minerals and electric vehicles.
Berlin’s need to protect its industrial base has made its position on tariffs more cautious.
The figures underline China’s continuing importance for Europe’s biggest economy despite political and economic tensions.
