China Import Export: Strategies for Your Germany-China Business

Germany and China: €246.8 billion in trade volume in 2024 – but the numbers only tell half the story. While headlines announce that the US has overtaken China as Germany’s largest trading partner, a closer look at the details reveals both advantages and disadvantages.

China remains Germany’s most important supplier. With €156.8 billion in imports, the People’s Republic leads the list by a significant margin. At the same time, German exports to China are shrinking, while Chinese products are increasingly pushing into the European market.

For companies active in Germany-China business, this means: The rules of the game are fundamentally changing right now. This article shows you what matters now – from the latest trade developments to logistics strategies and the question of how to future-proof your supply chains.

Imports from China: Between Dependency and New Strategies

The Reality of German China Imports

The current figures from the Federal Statistical Office for 2025 speak clearly: From January to July, Germany recorded an import surplus with China of €47.7 billion. That’s an increase of a whopping 54.1 percent compared to the same period last year – and the highest level since 2022.

Germany is buying significantly more from China than it sells there. This asymmetry is no coincidence, but rather an expression of structural dependency.

German companies source from China:

• Intermediate products and components for manufacturing – from electronic components to machine elements
• Critical raw materials such as rare earths, lithium, and graphite, which are indispensable for future technologies
• Finished products for retail and e-commerce

These are not luxury goods that could be foregone. These are materials and parts without which German production lines would come to a standstill. This interdependence has developed over decades – and cannot be dissolved overnight.

De-Risking Instead of Decoupling: Germany’s New China Strategy

The German government has responded to this dependency. Germany’s China strategy from July 2023 speaks of “de-risking” – risk minimization, not separation. China is characterized in three ways: as a partner, as a competitor, and as a systemic rival.

What does this mean in concrete terms? Germany wants to continue trading with China and investing there. However: Critical dependencies should be reduced. Particular focus areas include:

• Strategic raw materials – China often controls not just the extraction, but especially the processing
• Key technologies – in batteries, solar panels, and e-mobility components, China dominates the global market
• Intermediate products with long replenishment times – if the supply chain breaks here, production comes to a halt

The reality: Despite all political declarations of intent, Germany has not yet reduced its dependency. The €47.7 billion import surplus proves this impressively. Building alternative suppliers takes time – often years or decades. New mines must be developed, processing capacities built up, and quality standards established.

Intelligent Logistics for Your Imports

For imports from China, the choice of transportation route plays a strategic role. Four options are available – each with specific advantages and disadvantages:

Sea freight dominates with approximately 90 percent market share. The transit time of about 40 days is long, but the cost per ton is the lowest. Ideal for large volumes and plannable deliveries. More on sea freight China-Germany

Air freight gets your goods to Germany in approximately 5 days. The price is correspondingly higher, but often the only option for time-critical or perishable goods. More on air freight China-Germany

Rail freight on the New Silk Road takes around 21 days – an attractive middle position. However, the route passes through Russia, which has been perceived as a risk since the Ukraine war. More on rail freight China-Germany

Road freight by truck takes 18 to 25 days and offers maximum flexibility in pickup and delivery times. True door-to-door delivery avoids transshipment operations. More on road freight China-Germany

The right choice depends on your priorities: How urgent is the delivery? What is the volume? How sensitive is the cargo? Often a combination of different modes of transport makes sense – for example, for different product lines or demand situations.

Exports to China: Opportunities in a Changing Market

German Exports Under Pressure

While German companies are importing massively from China, exports in the opposite direction are shrinking. In 2024, Germany exported goods worth €90 billion to China – with a downward trend.

The German automotive industry is particularly affected. For decades, China was the profit driver for VW, BMW, and Mercedes. But Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers like BYD are not only conquering their domestic market, but are increasingly pushing into Europe. The technological advantage of German premium brands is diminishing.

German companies are also losing market share in mechanical engineering and chemicals. China is buying less from Germany – and producing more and more itself. What used to be imported from Germany now comes from local production.

Nevertheless, there are opportunities. German quality, precision, and know-how remain in demand – especially in niche areas, high-quality industrial goods, and specialized services. However, anyone who wants to succeed as an exporter must understand how the Chinese market is changing.

Chinese Competition on Germany’s Home Turf

The flip side of the coin: Chinese manufacturers are flooding the European market. In electric vehicles, solar panels, wind power components, and batteries, Chinese suppliers offer products at prices with which European manufacturers can hardly compete.

The EU is responding with protective measures, two examples:

• In October 2024, Brussels imposed tariffs on Chinese electric cars – a signal that the development is being taken seriously.
• In October 2025, a doubling of tariffs on steel imports was announced.

But the fundamental question remains: How can European companies remain competitive in future industries when China is often ahead in both cost and speed?

For importers, this means: Favorable purchasing prices, but also growing competition for their own customers. For exporters: A market that is becoming more difficult – but far from hopeless.

Cultural Realities in China Business

China is 27 times larger than Germany. Corporate culture and mentality differ fundamentally. What works in Germany often fails in China – and vice versa.

Typical challenges:

• Communication – direct German style meets indirect Chinese diplomacy
• Contract interpretation – different concepts of commitment and flexibility
• Perception of time – long-term relationships vs. quick business deals
• Hierarchies – decision-making processes and corporate structures function differently

Successful companies invest in local partnerships. Those who have a reliable network on the ground avoid misunderstandings, solve problems faster, and seize opportunities that remain hidden to others.

Customs and Documentation: No Need to Panic

The Essentials of Customs Clearance

Customs sounds complicated – but it isn’t when you have the right partners. The EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is your identification number for trade in goods with non-EU countries. No EORI, no customs clearance.

Typical pitfalls in customs clearance arise from:

• Incomplete or incorrect documents
• Incorrect classification of goods in the customs tariff
• Missing or unclear certificates of origin

Professional freight forwarders know these pitfalls and avoid them. At Excellence Global Logistics, certified experts handle the complete customs clearance – both for imports to Germany and exports to China.

You focus on your business, we take care of the formalities.

Current Customs Developments

Customs regulations are constantly changing. The EU protective tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles since October 2024 or protective tariffs on steel are just two examples. Such changes can turn your calculations upside down overnight – or open up new business opportunities if competitors are caught off guard.

Those who keep an eye on developments can react in time and adjust strategies.

The Transportation Question: More Than Just A to B

Why the Choice of Mode of Transport Is Strategic

Sea freight dominates China trade with approximately 90 percent market share – but why? The answer lies in the combination of reliability, capacity, and costs. For large volumes with a plannable time window, ships are unbeatable in terms of cost.

However, in certain situations alternative transport routes are worthwhile:

• For perishable or temperature-sensitive goods – air freight is often the only option here.
• When production lines are at risk of shutting down – express deliveries by plane save costly downtime.
• For medium-sized shipments with moderate urgency – rail or truck offer the golden middle ground.

The New Silk Road, once celebrated as a great hope, has faced challenges since the Ukraine war. The trains continue to run, but many shippers perceive the route through Russia as a security risk. Alternative routes exist, but are longer and more expensive.

Nevertheless, rail remains attractive for certain goods – faster than ship, cheaper than plane.

Intelligent logistics providers combine different modes of transport. Standard goods come by ship, urgent goods by plane, and for special requirements rail or truck is used. This flexibility makes supply chains more robust.

Excellence Global Logistics GmbH – Your partner for successful China trade.

Our Network Makes the Difference

Shenzhen, Shanghai, Qingdao, Ningbo – each city has its peculiarities, each port its idiosyncrasies. Without reliable partners on the ground, every shipment becomes an adventure.

Excellence Global Logistics has built a solid network of trusted business partners in China over the years. This means:

• Reliable pickup from the supplier – even in remote regions
• Proactive schedule monitoring already at the Chinese port of loading
• Quick problem resolution for unforeseen obstacles
• Cultural bridges – we understand both sides and mediate in case of misunderstandings

From pickup in Shenzhen to delivery in Stuttgart: We keep track, you stay in control.

USA Overtakes China: The Geopolitical Dimension

What Happened in 2024

From 2016 to 2023, China was Germany’s largest trading partner, measured by the sum of imports and exports. In 2024, the USA became Germany’s largest trading partner – with €253.3 billion in total trade volume, they are just ahead of China with €246.8 billion.

Headlines celebrated this shift as a success of the diversification strategy.

But the celebration was premature. What matters is not the total sum of exports and imports, but the structure of trade.

And here it becomes clear: China remains by far Germany’s most important supplier. The import surplus of €47.7 billion (January to July 2025) demonstrates the continuing dependency.

At the same time, Germany’s export surplus with the USA is shrinking dramatically. From January to July 2025, it fell to €34.6 billion – the lowest level since 2021. German exports to the USA decreased by 5.3 percent, while imports increased.

Thus, “export champion Germany” now has declining exports with both of its largest trading partners.

This development shows: Global trade flows are shifting – but not necessarily in the desired direction.

Geopolitics Meets Logistics

Political tensions between China and the West are increasing. Different systems, values, and interests lead to conflicts. At the same time, China’s economic and technological power continues to grow – dependencies are becoming stronger rather than weaker.

In the USA, the Trump administration is creating additional uncertainty. Unpredictable tariff changes, sudden policy shifts, and protectionist measures make long-term planning difficult. Companies must react within the shortest time frames, otherwise massive cost increases loom.

For logistics providers, this means: Flexibility becomes a competitive advantage. Those who know different transport routes, have alternative suppliers, and secure capacity in time navigate turbulent times better.

The era of rigid supply chains is over – flexible systems will adapt to changes ever more quickly in the future.

Practical Tips for Your China Trade

Three Things Successful Importers and Exporters Do Right

Build long-term supplier relationships

China business works through relationships. Those who only look at price and constantly switch suppliers lose quality, reliability, and negotiating power. Invest time in good partnerships – it pays off in crisis situations.

Take a multi-track approach for critical components

For parts without which your production would shut down, you need a Plan B. This can mean developing second suppliers, strategically increasing inventory levels, or examining alternative technologies. De-risking works not only at the political level, but also in procurement.

Engage professional logistics partners

Freight forwarding is more than transport. A good partner knows the markets, has contacts on the ground, secures capacity in time, finds alternatives, and solves problems before they escalate. Those who save money in the wrong place pay later – through delays, additional costs, or even lost business opportunities.

Three Common Mistakes

Underestimated lead times in procurement

40 days sea freight plus production, customs clearance, and onward transport – that quickly adds up to two to three months. Those who plan too tightly risk supply bottlenecks. Building in buffers pays off.

Cultural misunderstandings in communication

“Yes” doesn’t always mean “yes” in China, and direct criticism can destroy relationships. Never underestimate cultural differences – or work with partners who know both worlds.

Saving money in the wrong place with transport logistics

The cheapest freight forwarder is not always the best. When containers are missed, customs clearance is delayed, or goods arrive damaged, the few euros saved are quickly forgotten. Quality has its price – and justifies it.

Your Next Steps

Excellence Global Logistics as Your China Partner

We are your specialists for Germany-China trade. With years of experience, a strong network in China, and comprehensive know-how, we organize your imports and exports – reliably, on schedule, and at fair prices.

Our service includes:

• All modes of transport: sea freight, air freight, rail freight, road freight
• Complete customs clearance by certified experts
• Personal contact person for every shipment
• Door-to-door service: pickup from sender, delivery to recipient
• Proactive schedule monitoring
• Transparent prices with no hidden costs

The difference between an anonymous freight portal and an experienced freight forwarder? Under normal circumstances, you’ll hardly notice it – but when things become critical, it makes the difference between success and failure.

Start Your Freight Cost Inquiry Now

Are you planning an import from China or an export to China? Let’s discuss your requirements. We’ll find the optimal solution for your logistics – fast, reliable, and at fair prices.

Request your non-binding quote now:

→ Submit freight cost inquiry

Or contact us directly:

Phone: +49 69 870 089 40

Email: operations@egl-world.com

Excellence Global Logistics GmbH – Your partner for successful China trade.