German import prices decreased by 1.1 percent in May 2025 compared to the same month the previous year, according to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). Prices for imported goods were 0.7 percent lower compared to April 2025. Export prices, meanwhile, rose by 1.0 percent year-on-year.
The decline in energy prices significantly influenced overall import price movements. Energy import prices were 14.6 percent lower in May 2025 compared to May 2024, a decrease of 4.4 percent compared to April 2025. Specific commodities such as crude oil (-26.4 percent), coal (-21.2 percent) and mineral oil products (-17.3 percent) saw substantial price reductions year-on-year.
Conversely, import prices for electrical power were 1.7 percent higher than in May 2024, with natural gas imports costing 0.5 percent more. However, both categories saw price decreases compared to April.
Excluding energy, import prices were 0.4 percent higher than in May 2024. When only excluding crude oil and mineral oil products, the import price index registered a slight increase of 0.4 percent compared to May 2024 and a decrease of 0.4 percent compared to April.
Prices for intermediate goods were 1.0 percent lower than in May 2024, while prices for investment goods decreased by 0.3 percent.
Consumer goods imports, encompassing both durable and non-durable goods, experienced a price increase of 2.7 percent compared to May 2024, remaining unchanged compared to April. Durable consumer goods were particularly affected, with prices rising by 3.3 percent year-on-year.
A notable increase in import costs was observed for food items, rising by 10.5 percent compared to May 2024. Specific food products showing significant price hikes included orange juice (+33.9 percent), confectionery (+33.8 percent), apple juice (+32.9 percent), beef (+32.8 percent), poultry (+28.9 percent) and milk products (+13.0 percent).
Imported agricultural goods were also more expensive, with an overall increase of 4.2 percent. Raw coffee prices saw a particularly sharp increase of 50.0 percent.
Export prices were primarily influenced by increases in consumer and investment goods. Exported consumer goods were 2.3 percent more expensive compared to May 2024. Investment goods saw a price increase of 1.1 percent.
Energy exports, however, saw a significant decrease in prices, reflecting a trend seen in both May 2025 and compared to April. Mineral oil products were particularly impacted, costing 15.6 percent less than in May 2024.
