German Imports Slump

Germany’s imports jumped 4.7% month-on-month to €115.4 billion in February 2026, reversing a downwardly revised 5.1% decline in the previous month and topping market estimates of a 4% growth. Purchases from EU partners surged 5.1%, boosted by strength from both euro area members (4.5%) and non-euro-area countries (6.3%). Also, imports from non-EU countries expanded 4.4%, supported by higher purchases from the U.S. (9.8%), China (6.5%), and the United Kingdom (6.0%). In contrast, imports from Russia slipped 18.7%. Considering January to February of the year, arrivals were down 0.8% with a total of €225.7 billion. On an annual basis, total imports grew 0.6% in February.

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 6.5%, weighed by declines from both euro area members (-5.9%) and non-euro-area countries (-7.8%). Also, imports from non-EU countries tumbled 8.2%, dragged by lower purchases from the U.S. (-8.2%), China (-8.3%), and Russia (-20.0%). In contrast, purchases from the United Kingdom grew 2.5%. On an annual basis, total imports declined -6.4%. In 2025, purchases increased 4.4%.

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.