Survey: German automotive exports to China drop by a third in 2025

A survey by the Cologne Institute for Economic Research (IW) shows that German automotive exports to China fell by 33% in 2025 compared to the previous year.

In the institute's press release, it states: "German automotive exports to China decreased by about a third compared to the previous year in 2025. Since reaching a peak in 2022, trade in passenger cars and automotive parts has declined by more than half. If the export value of manufacturers was nearly 30 billion euros at that time, this figure will fall to less than 14 billion euros in 2025."

Many key export industries in Germany have also seen significant declines. For example, the machinery industry accounts for nearly 21% of Germany's goods exports to China, but exports in this sector also fell by nearly 9.8% compared to the previous year.

The metal processing industry is also under pressure: its exports to China fell by nearly 13% in 2025, with a decline of about 25% from the 2022 peak. At the same time, Germany's imports of metal products from China have increased significantly: an increase of nearly 13% last year.

Jürgen Mattes, a trade expert at IW, said: "The sharp drop in exports and the rise in imports are not only a natural result of cyclical fluctuations, but also reflect a serious imbalance in competitive conditions."

He believes that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz must raise this issue during his upcoming visit to China.

The expert believes that China's reliance on the European market and the high profits it gains from it can be used as a bargaining chip, including in negotiations over the supply of key raw materials and rare earth elements.

Germany's chancellor will visit China from February 24 to 26, accompanied by business representatives. A German government spokesperson, Sebastian Heile, said that Germany is committed to cooperation with China in areas that are necessary and in the mutual interest.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1858045358314505/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.