In February 2025, German trade saw a slight improvement, with exports rising by 1.8% compared to January of the same year. In contrast, imports increased by 0.7%. Despite this slight increase, the data indicates that the German economy is maintaining its trade activity among major economic powers, even as domestic and international challenges persist.
Export and Import Details:
In February 2025, German exports reached €131.6 billion, while imports reached €113.8 billion. Despite the slight growth in exports, the trade surplus decreased significantly compared to the same month of the previous year, falling from €22.6 billion in February 2024 to €17.7 billion in the same month of 2025.
Imports increased by 4.6% compared to February 2024. According to calendar- and seasonally adjusted data, the total value of imports reached €113.8 billion in February 2025.
Trade with EU countries:
In February 2025, Germany exported €70.2 billion worth of goods to EU countries, while importing €58.6 billion worth of goods from these countries. On a calendar- and seasonally adjusted basis, exports to EU countries increased slightly by 0.5% compared to January 2025, while imports from these countries increased by 2.3%. On the other hand, total exports to eurozone countries reached €48.5 billion, an increase of 0.3%, while imports from these countries increased by 2.8%. In contrast, exports to non-eurozone EU countries increased by 1.0%, reaching €21.7 billion, while imports from these countries increased by 1.4%.
This data indicates that Germany maintains strong trade relations with EU countries, as the eurozone remains one of Germany’s most important trading partners.
Trade with non-EU countries:
As for countries outside the European Union, German exports to these countries (third countries) reached €61.4 billion in February 2025, an increase of 3.2% compared to the previous month. Imports from these countries, on the other hand, decreased by 1.0% to €55.2 billion.
It is worth noting that the United States accounted for the lion’s share of German exports, with goods exports to it reaching €14.2 billion, an increase of 8.5% compared to January 2025. Exports to the People’s Republic of China also saw a slight increase of 0.6% to €6.8 billion. In contrast, exports to the United Kingdom decreased by 3.8% to €6.5 billion. Import patterns from third countries:
In February 2025, the People’s Republic of China was the main source of German imports, importing goods worth €13.7 billion, a 7.1% increase compared to January 2025. This increase highlights the continuing trend toward increased reliance on China as a primary source of goods.
In contrast, imports from the United States decreased by 3.9% to €7.6 billion. Imports from the United Kingdom also decreased by 5.2% to €3.5 billion during the same period.
This trend indicates changes in the import pattern from countries outside the European Union, with imports from some countries, such as China, increasing while imports from others, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, are declining, reflecting the effects of economic and geopolitical tensions on global trade.
Trade situation with Russia:
In February 2025, German exports to Russia decreased by 3.0% compared to January 2025, reaching €0.6 billion. Exports to Russia also decreased by 13.4% compared to February 2024.
Unadjusted foreign trade indicators:
As for imports from Russia, they declined by 4.5% in February 2025 compared to January 2025, reaching €0.1 billion. Compared to February 2024, imports from Russia decreased by 49.4%.
This significant decline in trade with Russia indicates the impact of the prevailing geopolitical and economic conditions in the region, which may affect trade relations between Germany and Russia in the near future.
In February 2025, Germany’s exports of goods amounted to €129.8 billion, while imports reached €111.4 billion. This data shows foreign trade not adjusted for calendar or seasonal effects. Compared to the same month last year, exports decreased by 1.8%, while imports increased by 3.1%.
The unadjusted foreign trade balance recorded a surplus of €18.4 billion in February 2025. In contrast, the foreign trade surplus in February 2024 amounted to €24.1 billion. This decline in the trade surplus highlights the challenges the German economy faces in facing changes in global markets, despite the continued presence of a trade surplus.
Future Outlook:
These data demonstrate that the German economy remains resilient to global economic challenges. Despite a slight slowdown in growth, the trade surplus still reflects Germany’s ability to maintain its position as a global economic power. However, shifts in global trade may place further pressure on the German economy in the near future, particularly with increasing competition in energy and commodity markets.
Germany is expected to remain a leading exporter globally, but given the global economic conditions, new strategies may be necessary to strengthen the German economy’s ability to meet future challenges. While the country continues to develop its trade relations with EU countries, other global markets such as the United States and China remain crucial for long-term economic stability.
