BERLIN/BEIJING – In a notable development in international trade, China has lost its status as Germany’s largest trading partner, now falling to second place behind the United States.

This shift is reflected in the figures for the first quarter of this year, where the trade volume between Germany and China fell to 60 billion euros, while trade with the USA reached a volume of 63.2 billion euros. The shift could have far-reaching effects on the global economic landscape and may signal a new era of trade relations.

The data suggests that German exports to China have decreased by 1.1 percent to 24 billion euros, while imports from China fell by 11.7 percent to 36 billion euros.

Despite this decline, China remains a vital supplier for Germany, particularly for goods essential for daily needs and the energy transition. A significant portion of photovoltaic systems, portable computers, smartphones, and lithium-ion batteries imported into Germany continues to come from China, highlighting the ongoing dependence on Chinese products in key industries.

This development could lead to a reevaluation of trade strategies and underscore the need for a diversified source of imports to strengthen resilience against global market changes.

The current figures show that despite challenges in international trade and changing dynamics, Germany and China continue to maintain strong economic ties that are of strategic importance to both nations. (zai)