German exports decline by 2.5% in January 2025, imports rise by 1.2%

Germany’s export sector experienced a downturn in January 2025, with exports decreasing by 2.5% compared to December 2024, according to provisional data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). Imports, however, saw an uptick of 1.2% during the same period. 

The total value of seasonally and calendar-adjusted exports stood at €129.2 billion, while imports reached €113.1 billion. This resulted in a foreign trade surplus of €16.0 billion for January 2025, a decline from the €20.7 billion surplus recorded in December 2024 and the €25.3 billion surplus in January 2024. 

Trade with EU Countries

Exports to European Union (EU) member states amounted to €69.8 billion, marking a 4.2% decrease from December 2024. Imports from these countries totaled €57.0 billion, a 1.1% decline. Specifically, exports to eurozone countries were €48.4 billion (-5.0%), and imports from these nations were €37.7 billion (-0.2%). Exports to non-eurozone EU countries reached €21.4 billion (-2.3%), with imports at €19.3 billion (-2.7%). 

Trade with Non-EU Countries

Exports to non-EU countries (third countries) were €59.4 billion, a slight 0.4% decrease from December 2024. Imports from these nations rose by 3.7%, totaling €56.1 billion. 

Key Trading Partners
• United States: Exports decreased by 4.2% to €13.0 billion; imports increased by 6.5% to €8.0 billion. 
• China: Exports declined by 0.9% to €6.7 billion; imports decreased by 2.8% to €12.9 billion.
• United Kingdom: Exports rose by 1.7% to €6.8 billion; imports surged by 18.8% to €3.6 billion.

Trade with Russia

Exports to Russia increased by 7.2% to €0.6 billion compared to December 2024 but were down 9.3% from January 2024. Imports from Russia fell by 15.7% to €0.1 billion month-over-month and declined 37.7% year-over-year. 

Unadjusted Figures

On a nominal basis (not adjusted for calendar or seasonal effects), Germany’s exports in January 2025 were €125.0 billion, a 1.4% decrease from January 2024. Imports amounted to €112.3 billion, reflecting a 7.5% increase year-over-year. The unadjusted foreign trade surplus was €12.6 billion, down from €22.2 billion in January 2024. 

These figures highlight ongoing shifts in Germany’s foreign trade dynamics, with notable decreases in exports and a narrowing trade surplus. Economic analysts will be closely monitoring these trends to assess their implications for the broader economy.

Source: Federal Statistical Office (Destatis)