Germany's November trade weakens as exports slide and imports rise

After adjustment, Germany exported goods worth €128.1 billion and imported €115.1 billion in November, resulting in a trade surplus of €13.1 billion (~$15.33 billion). This was lower than the €17.2 billion (~$20.12 billion) surplus recorded in October 2025 and the €20 billion surplus a year earlier, Destatis said in a press release.

Trade with the European Union (EU) softened during the month. Exports to EU member states slipped 4.2 per cent month on month to €73.1 billion, while imports from the bloc declined 4.0 per cent to €58.7 billion. Shipments to euro area countries fell 3.9 per cent to €50.8 billion, with imports easing 3.7 per cent to €39.1 billion. Exports to non-euro EU countries dropped 4.8 per cent to €22.2 billion, and imports from those markets were down 4.7 per cent at €19.7 billion.

By contrast, trade with non-EU countries was more mixed. Exports to outside the EU (third countries) edged down 0.2 per cent to €55.1 billion, while imports jumped 6.3 per cent to €56.3 billion.

The United States remained Germany’s largest export destination in November, with shipments worth €10.8 billion, though this was 4.2 per cent lower than in October and 22.9 per cent below the level a year earlier. Exports to China rose 3.4 per cent month on month to €6.5 billion, while deliveries to the United Kingdom declined 8.1 per cent to €6 billion.

On the import side, China was Germany’s biggest supplier, with purchases rising 8.0 per cent from October to €14.9 billion. Imports from the United States increased 7.9 per cent to €7.7 billion, while those from the United Kingdom climbed 10.9 per cent to €3.4 billion.

Trade with Russia remained subdued. Exports to the Russian Federation fell 5.5 per cent month on month to €0.6 billion and were down 22.5 per cent from November 2024. Imports from Russia, although up 22.5 per cent from October, stood at just €0.1 billion and were 2.7 per cent lower year on year.

In nominal, unadjusted terms, Germany exported €130.7 billion of goods and imported €117 billion in November 2025. Compared with a year earlier, exports fell 1.7 per cent while imports increased 4.4 per cent, leaving an unadjusted trade surplus of €13.7 billion, down from €20.9 billion in November 2024.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (SG)