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.
Trade with the US fell to €240bn after a 5% decline.
Germany imported far more from China than it exported.
Imports were worth about €170.6bn, while exports totalled €81.3bn.
Tariffs introduced by Donald Trump are seen as one reason for weaker US trade.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit Beijing for talks with Li Qiang and Xi Jinping.
He is expected to discuss Ukraine, human rights and economic relations.
A delegation of German business leaders will accompany him.
German carmakers remain deeply tied to the Chinese market.
Companies such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz rely heavily on Chinese sales and production.
This dependence complicates Berlin’s support for EU trade barriers.
The EU is trying to reduce strategic reliance on China.
However, China still dominates key supplies such as rare earths and battery materials.
Germany’s industrial interests make a tougher stance difficult.
