Foreign trade data for December showed that Germany’s exports to the United States declined sharply last year against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff campaign, while its trade surplus with the United States fell to its lowest level in four years.
However, total exports for 2025 recovered by about 1% after two years of contraction, as strong trade with Europe offset the decline in shipments to the United States.
German exports to the United States fell by 9.3% last year, while American imports to Germany rose slightly.
China is Germany’s largest trading partner
Germany’s trade surplus with the United States, the world’s largest economy, reached 52.2 billion euros (62 billion dollars), its lowest level since 2021, after hitting a record high the previous year of around 70 billion euros.
According to preliminary data, China once again became Germany’s largest trading partner last year, surpassing the United States, amid a significant increase in exports to China.
Europe was a target for Trump when he launched his trade war, due to its large trade surplus with the United States, a significant portion of which comes from German exports.
Under an agreement reached in July, a base tariff of 15% was imposed on European Union exports to the United States, a rate significantly higher than before Trump’s return to the White House.
This move dealt a strong blow to Germany, whose institutions—from giant automotive and machinery manufacturing companies to small family businesses—have long relied on strong trade with the United States.
Germany
Germany is a country in Central Europe with a complex history, having been a collection of states for centuries before unifying in 1871. It was divided after World War II into East and West Germany, reunifying in 1990 after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Today, it is a leading economic power and is known for its rich cultural heritage in philosophy, music, and science.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 following the American Revolution, which established its independence from Great Britain. Its history includes westward expansion, a civil war over slavery, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century. The nation is defined by its diverse population, democratic institutions, and significant cultural influence worldwide.
Europe
Europe is a continent with a rich and complex history, shaped by ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome, the medieval period, the Renaissance, and transformative modern events such as the Industrial Revolution and two World Wars. Culturally, it is renowned for its diverse artistic, philosophical, and architectural heritage, from Gothic cathedrals to Enlightenment thought. Today, it is home to numerous nations, many of which are united under the political and economic partnership of the European Union.
China
China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over four millennia. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, which reflect its long imperial past and profound cultural achievements.
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 European countries, founded after World War II to foster economic cooperation and prevent future conflict. It has evolved from the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951 into a major supranational entity with a single market, a common currency used by 20 members, and shared policies on everything from trade to the environment.
White House
The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, located in Washington, D.C. It was designed by James Hoban, with construction completed in 1800, and has been the home of every U.S. president since John Adams. The building was burned by British forces in 1814 during the War of 1812 and was subsequently rebuilt and expanded over the centuries.
