Germany-China Bilateral Trade Analysis 2023
Complete trade statistics: $254.97B total volume •Germany deficit: $46.16B
Germany → China
$104.41B
Exports (2023)
China → Germany
$150.57B
Imports (2023)
Trade Balance
$46.16B
Deficit for Germany
Total Trade
$254.97B
Combined Volume
Trade Flow Visualization
Direct trade relationship between Germany and China. Green line shows exports from Germany, red line shows imports.
Detailed Product Trade Analysis
Comprehensive breakdown of trade flows by product category, revealing the specialized nature of the Germany-China commercial relationship and competitive positioning in global markets.
Germany → China Exports
Export Market Intelligence
🎯 Strategic Export Focus
Germany's export portfolio to China demonstrates strong diversification across multiple sectors, with vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000cc representing a key competitive advantage in this bilateral market.
China → Germany Imports
Import Dependency Profile
📦 Import Strategy Analysis
Germany's import pattern from China reveals strategic sourcingin electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square), highlighting complementary economic structures and potential supply chain optimization opportunities.
Competitive Trade Position Analysis
Market Leadership
Germany demonstrates competitive strength in exportingvehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000cc to China, leveraging comparative advantages.
Trade Complementarity
The bilateral relationship showsstrongcomplementarity, with each country specializing in different sectors.
Growth Potential
The $254.97B trade volume indicates substantial economic integration with room for expansion in emerging sectors.
Executive Summary: Germany-China Trade Relationship
Key Trade Highlights 2023
- Total Trade Volume: $254.97 billionrepresenting a significant bilateral economic relationship
- Trade Balance: Germany maintains a deficit of $46.16 billion
- Export Focus: Germany's primary exports include vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000cc, vehicle parts: gear boxes and parts thereof, boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases: for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts
- Import Dependencies: Key imports from China include electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square), telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks, automatic data processing machines: portable, weighing not more than 10kg, consisting of at least a central processing unit, a keyboard and a display
Strategic Trade Indicators
📈 Market Position: This bilateral trade relationship represents one of the world's largest trade partnerships, with complementary economic strengths driving sustained commercial exchange.
Historical Trade Analysis & Economic Context
Trade Evolution Timeline
2019-2023: Recent Trends
Current trade volume of $254.97B represents the culmination of evolving bilateral commercial relationships, influenced by global supply chain shifts and changing economic priorities.
2015-2019: Growth Period
Sustained expansion in bilateral trade driven by complementary economic structures, with Germany leveraging its comparative advantages in vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000cc.
2010-2015: Foundation Building
Establishment of modern trade frameworks and reduction of barriers, facilitating increased commercial exchange and investment flows between the two economies.
Pre-2010: Early Development
Initial stages of bilateral trade relationship development, with focus on traditional export-import patterns and gradual market integration.
Key Economic Drivers
Comparative Advantage
Germany's specialization in vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000cccomplements China's demand patterns, creating natural trade synergies.
Supply Chain Integration
Deep integration in global value chains has strengthened bilateral linkages, particularly in electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square).
Market Access & Trade Policy
Favorable trade agreements and market access conditions have facilitated the growth of this $254.97B bilateral relationship.
Trade Pattern Insights
Trade Relationship Outlook
The $254.97B bilateral trade volume positions this relationship for continued growth, supported by technological advancement, evolving consumer preferences, and strengthening economic ties. Key opportunities lie in expanding cooperation in emerging sectors while managing potential supply chain vulnerabilities.
Economic Impact & Strategic Outlook
Economic Impact Assessment
Trade Volume Impact
The $254.97 billion bilateral trade volume represents a major economic driverfor both economies.
Industrial Integration
Trade flows in vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000cc and electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square) demonstrate deep industrial linkages and supply chain integration.
Trade Balance Effects
Germany's trade deficit of $46.16 billion impacts its overall economic position in this bilateral relationship.
Strategic Future Outlook
🚀Growth Opportunities
⚠️Risk Factors
🎯Strategic Recommendations
- Strengthen cooperation in high-value sectors beyond current trade patterns
- Develop alternative supply chains to reduce dependency risks
- Explore joint ventures in emerging technology sectors
- Enhance trade facilitation and reduce transaction costs
Market Position & Competitive Summary
The bilateral trade relationship between Germany and China represents a total trade volume of $254.97 billion in 2023. This partnership demonstrates an unfavorable trade balance for Germany, with imports exceeding exportsby $46.16 billion.
Export Strengths
Germany's exports to China total $104.41 billion, with competitive advantages in vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000cc, representing $11.47B or11.0% of bilateral exports.
Import Dependencies
Imports from China amount to $150.57 billion, highlighting economic interdependence in electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square), with Electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square) comprising7.8% of total imports.
The trade relationship reflects broader economic patterns and comparative advantages. The trade deficit indicates Germany's strategic sourcing from China. This partnership is characterized by complementary trade flows, with each country specializing in different product categories based on their respective economic strengths, industrial capabilities, and position in global value chains.
Download Bilateral Trade Data
Access detailed trade data between Germany and China in multiple formats.
Data Source: CEPII BACI (Base pour l'Analyse du Commerce International) • Last Updated: January 2025 • Coverage: 1995-2023