China has overtaken the United States as Germany’s largest trading partner, with total trade reaching €251bn in 2025.
The figure rose slightly from the previous year, while trade with the US fell to €240bn.
Germany imported €170.6bn in goods from China and exported €81.3bn in return.
Tariffs introduced by Donald Trump are seen as one factor behind the drop in US trade.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit Beijing for talks with premier Li Qiang and president Xi Jinping.
He is expected to discuss Ukraine, human rights and economic relations.
German industry remains deeply tied to the Chinese market.
Car manufacturers such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz depend heavily on sales and production there.
Business leaders will join Merz to signal support for cooperation.
The EU is trying to reduce its reliance on China for key materials and manufacturing.
However, Germany’s need to protect its automotive sector complicates a tougher trade stance.
