Germany’s export‑driven economy hit another setback in November 2025, with fresh data showing a decline in outbound shipments and a simultaneous rise in imports — a combination that sharply narrowed the country’s trade surplus.
According to figures released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), exports fell by 2.5% compared to October, after seasonal and calendar adjustments, while imports increased by 0.8%. On a yearly basis, exports were down 0.8%, whereas imports rose 5.4%.
In total, Germany exported €128.1 billion worth of goods in November and imported €115.1 billion, leaving a trade surplus of €13.1 billion — a significant drop from €17.2 billion in October and €20 billion in November 2024.
📉 EU Trade Weakens, U.S. Demand Plummets
The downturn was particularly visible within the European Union, traditionally Germany’s strongest trading arena.
Exports to EU partners fell by 4.2%,
Imports from the EU dropped by 4.0%.
Trade with non‑EU countries painted a more mixed picture:
Exports to “third countries” slipped only 0.2%,
Imports from outside the EU jumped 6.3%.
The United States remained Germany’s largest export destination, but the numbers were bleak.
Exports to the U.S. fell 4.2% month‑on‑month,
And were down a dramatic 22.9% compared to November 2024.
Elsewhere, exports to China increased slightly, while shipments to the United Kingdom declined.
🧭 A Vulnerable Export Engine
The latest figures underscore Germany’s sensitivity to shifting global demand and price pressures at a time when Europe’s largest economy is struggling to regain momentum. With exports weakening across key markets and imports rising from non‑EU suppliers, the country’s once‑robust trade balance is under growing strain.
Economists warn that unless external demand stabilizes, Germany’s recovery from its prolonged economic slump may remain fragile.
