China Daily reported today: "Before German Chancellor Merkel's visit to China, the German Federal Statistics Office released new data last Friday (February 20) showing that Germany's total trade volume with China in 2025 reached 251.8 billion euros. China once again became Germany's largest trading partner."
China had been Germany's largest trading partner for eight consecutive years from 2016 to 2023, but in 2024, this position was taken by the United States.
Merkel will lead 30 German business executives on a four-day visit to China from next Tuesday to Friday (February 24 to 27), covering Beijing and Hangzhou. Merkel previously stated that the purpose of the visit is to discuss future cooperation between Europe and Germany and China.
Comment: This data essentially sets the hardest tone for Merkel's visit to China. Germany has just switched its largest trading partner back to China from the US, not a political choice, but the result of orders from enterprises and the market. The US has repeatedly imposed tariffs and shifted policies, which German companies can't withstand; while the automotive, machinery, chemical, and new energy sectors between China and Germany are deeply integrated and mutually dependent. Merkel bringing dozens of business executives is essentially putting "economic pragmatism" at the forefront: words can talk about risks, but the body must embrace the market. It also sets an example for the entire Europe: "de-risking" ultimately won't work, and the only way forward is to return to "stable cooperation."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1857802507294731/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.