German exports experienced a decline in May 2025 compared to the previous month, according to preliminary data released by the Statistical Federal Office (Destatis). Seasonally and calendar-adjusted exports fell by 1.4 percent, while imports decreased by a more substantial 3.8 percent.
Despite the monthly decline, when compared to May 2024, exports rose by a modest 0.4 percent and imports increased by 4.2 percent. In May 2025, goods worth €129.4 billion were exported from Germany, while imports totaled €111.1 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of €18.4 billion. This represents a decrease from the €15.7 billion surplus recorded in April and the €22.3 billion surplus observed in May 2024.
Within the European Union, seasonally and calendar-adjusted exports amounted to €71.3 billion, with imports from EU member states reaching €57.7 billion. Both export and import figures saw declines compared to April, falling by 2.2 percent and 3.6 percent respectively. Similar declines were observed within the Eurozone (-2.6 percent for exports, -3.2 percent for imports) and in EU countries outside the Eurozone (-1.3 percent and -4.2 percent respectively).
Exports to third countries totaled €58.1 billion, while imports from these nations reached €53.3 billion, both showing decreases compared to April.
The United States remained the primary destination for German exports, although exports to the US declined significantly, falling by 7.7 percent compared to April, bringing the value to €12.1 billion – the lowest level since March 2022. Year-on-year, exports to the US were down by a substantial 13.8 percent. Exports to the People’s Republic of China also decreased, falling by 2.9 percent to €6.8 billion. A notable increase was seen in exports to the United Kingdom, rising by 15.1 percent to €7.2 billion.
China was the largest source of German imports, with goods valued at €13.8 billion entering Germany – a slight decrease of 1.0 percent from the previous month. Imports from the United States declined by 10.7 percent to €7.4 billion. Imports from the United Kingdom, however, saw an increase of 4.0 percent reaching €3.1 billion.
Exports to Russia experienced a pronounced decrease of 12.1 percent compared to April, falling to €0.5 billion and were also down 11.1 percent year-on-year. While imports from Russia rose slightly compared to April, they remain considerably lower than levels seen in May 2024, decreasing by 39.8 percent.
