Foreign trade encompasses the exchange of goods across national borders. In this context, exports refer to goods sent abroad, while imports denote goods brought into the country. The difference between exports and imports, known as the trade balance, is a crucial economic indicator.
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Germany, with an export surplus of €224 billion in 2024, often garners international attention due to concerns about economic imbalances and potential impacts on Europe's economy. The German economy is highly export-dependent, with approximately one in four jobs reliant on exports. However, as a resource-poor nation, Germany is equally dependent on imports, particularly for raw materials and energy.
Globalisation has amplified international trade volumes significantly, fostering increasingly interconnected supply chains. The production of complex goods, such as German automobiles, often involves substantial contributions from foreign suppliers. While these inputs are included in the total export value, they are not distinctly highlighted in the trade statistics.
Notably, about 25% of German exports consist of goods originally sourced or manufactured outside Germany. This interconnectedness reflects the evolving nature of global trade, where value chains extend across multiple countries and stages of production.
Recent trade statistics indicate fluctuations in export patterns. In December 2024, German exports to non-EU countries declined by 0.8%, with a total value of €58.8 billion. Despite such variations, motor vehicles and parts remained Germany's most significant export category in 2023, accounting for €272.6 billion or 17.3% of total exports. Meanwhile, China retained its position as Germany's leading trade partner for the eighth consecutive year, with bilateral trade in 2023 amounting to €254.2 billion. These figures underscore the sustained importance of specific goods and key partners in Germany's trade dynamics.
Since January 2022, several changes have been introduced to EU trade reporting requirements. These include the addition of fields such as the country of origin and VAT identification numbers, aimed at improving data accuracy and detail. To assist businesses in adapting to these updates, the Federal Statistical Office has provided comprehensive guidance, including explanatory videos and a detailed change guide. Such measures ensure smoother compliance with evolving reporting standards while enhancing the overall utility of trade statistics.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) also offers a range of tools and resources for exploring foreign trade data. These include the GENESIS-Online database, visualised statistics, and detailed classifications, all designed to facilitate access to comprehensive and machine-readable datasets. Beyond official statistics, experimental data offer innovative insights into trade trends, incorporating new data sources and methods to provide fresh perspectives on Germany's foreign trade landscape.
Trade relations with the United Kingdom remain significant, with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) in effect since January 2021. Destatis continues to monitor and adjust its reporting protocols to account for the impact of Brexit on trade flows. Overall, foreign trade remains a cornerstone of Germany's economic strength, supported by robust reporting systems, ongoing adaptation to global trends, and a commitment to data accessibility.
More information:
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis)
www.destatis.de