Khaberni - China regained its title as Germany's largest trading partner, surpassing the United States following the tariff campaign initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, as shown by official data published on Wednesday.
According to the Federal Statistical Office Destatis, the total trade between Europe's largest economy and China from January to September of this year increased slightly to nearly 186 billion euros ($215 billion).
During the same period, trade volume between Germany and the United States decreased by about 4% to just under 185 billion euros, according to the agency.
China was Germany's largest trading partner between 2016 and 2023, but the United States jumped to first place in 2024 as Berlin sought to reduce its chronic economic dependence on China.
ING bank economist Carsten Brzeski said this development "reflects the negative impact of American tariffs on German exports to the United States."
Under an agreement reached in July, exports from the European Union to the United States face a basic tax rate of 15%, which is significantly higher than before Trump returned to office.
These tariffs pose a heavy burden on the already struggling German economy.
The United States still represents the main market for German exports, ranging from automobiles to pharmaceuticals, and Germany maintains a significant trade surplus with the United States.
