Germany posted a trade surplus of €17.7 billion in February 2025, rising from €16.2 billion in January but falling short of the €22.6 billion surplus recorded in February 2024, according to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) on Monday. The increase came as exports rose modestly, while imports also climbed amid shifting global trade dynamics.
Seasonally and calendar-adjusted exports stood at €131.6 billion, up 1.8% from January and 0.1% from the same period last year. Imports rose by 0.7% compared to the previous month, totaling €113.8 billion—reflecting stronger domestic demand and global cost pressures.
Exports to other EU countries increased 0.5% to €70.2 billion, while imports from the bloc rose 2.3% to €58.6 billion. Exports to non-EU countries climbed 3.2% month-on-month to €61.4 billion, even as imports from these countries declined by 1% to €55.2 billion.
Most notably, German exports to the United States jumped 8.5% compared to January, as U.S. buyers ramped up demand in anticipation of upcoming reciprocal tariffs. The U.S. remained Germany’s largest trading partner in 2024, with bilateral trade valued at €253 billion ($270 billion). However, the new tariffs are expected to hit German industry hard, potentially reversing gains in key sectors.
Adding to concerns, German industrial production dropped by 1.3% in February from the previous month—more than analysts had forecast—highlighting continued weakness in the manufacturing sector amid global uncertainty and domestic headwinds.
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