BERLIN – German shoppers are reaping the benefits of a global trade shuffle as Chinese exporters redirect goods away from the United States following Washington’s recent tariff hikes. The result: increased imports to Germany and more competitive prices for local consumers.
According to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office, imports from China rose 10.5% in the first seven months of 2025, reaching €97.6 billion ($114.2 billion), while overall imports grew 4.9% to €796.6 billion. The surge in Chinese goods has been particularly pronounced, outpacing Germany’s total import growth by roughly twofold, according to the Institute for Employment Research (IAB).
Sector-specific analysis shows copper imports from China jumped 91%, clothing by 24%, and toys, games, and sporting equipment by 12% during the October–June study period. Enzo Weber, head of macroeconomic research at IAB, noted that while Chinese products haven’t flooded the entire German market, the impact is clearly visible in certain categories.
The trend follows a sharp decline in Chinese e-commerce shipments to the US, which fell 43% year-on-year in May, according to consulting firm Aevean. With goods no longer bound for the US, Chinese producers are increasingly targeting European markets, raising supply and creating opportunities for lower prices in Germany.
However, Weber cautioned that the influx of Chinese products could intensify price competition, squeezing profit margins, especially in sectors where Chinese producers maintain structural cost advantages. For German consumers, the immediate effect is positive: more variety and better prices, even as businesses navigate tighter margins.
