Germany's Trade Performance in March 2025

In March 2025, German exports rose by 1.1%, while imports fell by 1.4%, based on calendar and seasonally adjusted data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis)

Compared to March 2024, both exports and imports increased by 2.3%. Germany exported goods worth €133.2 billion and imported goods worth €112.1 billion, resulting in a foreign trade surplus of €21.1 billion.

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‍Key Highlights of Germany’s Foreign Trade in March 2025:

• Exports: €133.2 billion, up 1.1% month-on-month
• Imports: €112.1 billion, down 1.4% month-on-month
• Trade Surplus: €21.1 billion, with a seasonally and calendar-adjusted surplus of €18.0 billion
• Year-over-year Comparison: Exports up by 2.3%, imports also up by 2.3%

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Trade with EU Countries

In March 2025, Germany exported goods worth €72.3 billion to European Union (EU) member states, marking a 3.1% increase from February 2025. Conversely, imports from the EU totaled €56.9 billion, down by 3.5%. The export value to Eurozone countries reached €50.3 billion (+3.8%), while imports from Eurozone nations were valued at €37.1 billion (-5.8%).

Notably, Germany’s exports to EU countries outside the Eurozone increased by 1.6%, reaching €22.0 billion. Imports from non-Eurozone EU countries rose slightly by 1.1% to €19.8 billion.

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Trade with Non-EU Countries

Exports to non-EU countries (third countries) totaled €60.9 billion, while imports from these countries stood at €55.2 billion. Exports to third countries decreased slightly by 1.1%, while imports from these countries saw a modest increase of 0.8%.

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Exports to Key Global Markets

Germany’s exports to major international markets performed well in March 2025:

• United States: Exports rose by 2.4%, totaling €14.6 billion.
• China: Exports surged by 10.2%, reaching €7.5 billion.
• United Kingdom: Exports dropped by 2.8%, totaling €6.4 billion.

Imports from Major Trade Partners

The biggest source of imports for Germany in March 2025 was China, with goods worth €14.7 billion coming from the Asian powerhouse, a significant 9.6% increase from February 2025. Imports from the United States also increased by 7.9% to €8.1 billion. However, imports from the United Kingdom fell by 5.8%, totaling €3.2 billion.

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Trade with Russia

In a notable development, German exports to Russia rose by 6.3%, amounting to €0.6 billion, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. Imports from Russia also grew, up by 9.8%, reaching €0.1 billion. Compared to March 2024, German exports to Russia saw an impressive increase of 11.9%, indicating resilience in bilateral trade.

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Unadjusted Trade Data

In nominal terms, Germany’s exports in March 2025 totaled €140.1 billion, an increase of 4.3% from March 2024. Imports amounted to €116.8 billion, up 3.9% year-on-year. This resulted in a foreign trade surplus of €23.3 billion, compared to €21.8 billion in March 2024.

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Germany’s Economic Outlook

Germany’s solid export growth and stable import trends in March 2025 are indicators of resilience in the face of global economic challenges. While the country’s exports show steady growth in key sectors, imports remain somewhat subdued, reflecting cautious domestic demand and ongoing global uncertainties.

The Future of Germany’s Trade
The continuation of strong export performance will be crucial for Germany’s economic prospects. With a trade surplus of €21.1 billion in March, Germany maintains its position as a leading export economy, powered by its manufacturing sector, automotive exports, and robust demand from markets like the United States and China. Furthermore, trade with the EU remains an essential cornerstone of Germany's foreign trade strategy.