China has overtaken the United States as Germany’s top trading partner in 2025.
Total trade between Germany and China reached €251bn, according to official figures.
Trade with the US fell to €240bn after a 5% decline.
Germany imported far more from China than it exported.
Imports totalled €170.6bn, while exports reached €81.3bn.
Friedrich Merz will visit Beijing this week for talks with Xi Jinping and Li Qiang.
Discussions will cover trade, the war in Ukraine and human rights.
German carmakers remain deeply tied to the Chinese market.
Companies such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz rely heavily on Chinese sales and production.
The EU is trying to reduce dependence on China for key materials and manufacturing.
Tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles have had little effect on imports so far.
Merz will travel with a large business delegation.
German industry says global challenges require continued economic cooperation with Beijing.
