German Imports Rise More than Expected

Germany’s imports tumbled 5.9% month-on-month to a 17-month low of €109.2 billion in January 2026, reversing a marginally revised 1.3% rise in the previous month and pointing to weaker domestic demand at the start of the year amid mounting economic headwinds. Purchases from EU partners fell 4.8%, weighed by declines from both euro area members (-5.7%) and non-euro-area countries (-2.7%). By contrast, imports from non-EU countries rose 1.0%, supported mainly by stronger purchases from the U.S. (11.7%). However, imports dropped from several major partners, including China (-13.2%), the United Kingdom (-2.6%), and Russia (-8.3%). On an annual basis, total imports declined 4.0%, a reversal from the 4.4% growth recorded in 2025.

Germany’s imports increased by 1.4% month-on-month to €116.1 billion in December 2025, easily exceeding market expectations of 0.2% and accelerating from a slightly revised 0.7% gain in the previous month. The stronger reading pointed to resilient domestic demand despite persistent economic headwinds. Purchases from EU partners climbed 1.7%, supported by steady increases from both euro area members (1.6%) and non-euro-area countries (1.8%). Also, imports from non-EU countries rose by 1.2%, driven mainly by higher shipments from China (4.1%), the United States (3.0%), and Russia (6.0%), while purchases from the United Kingdom declined sharply by 14.8%. On an annual basis, total imports rose 4.4% year-on-year in 2025, reaching €1.37 trillion, reflecting a gradual recovery in trade flows over the course of the year.

Germany’s imports rose 0.8% month-on-month to €115.1 billion in November 2025, surpassing market expectations of 0.2% and rebounding from a revised 1.5% decline in October, signaling resilient domestic demand despite ongoing economic headwinds. Imports from non-EU countries surged 6.3%, led by China (8.0%), the US (7.9%), and the UK (10.9%). In contrast, purchases from EU partners fell 4.0%, dragged down by declines from both eurozone countries (-3.7%) and non-euro-area members (-4.7%). Over the first eleven months of 2025, total imports rose 4.6% year-on-year to €1.25 trillion.