Dutch–German trade grows as Germany shifts away from China and the U.S.

Economic exchange between the Netherlands and Germany continued to expand last year, even as the composition of trade shifted. Analysis by the German-Dutch Chamber of Commerce, based on figures from the statistics agency Destatis, shows sustained demand in Germany for consumer goods, including Auping beds and Zalando apparel. At the same time, volumes of energy and chemical products fell, reflecting both the downturn in German industry and the country’s broader move toward a more advanced, value-driven economic model.

In 2025, trade between Germany and the Netherlands increased by 3 percent to a total of 211 billion euros, cementing the Netherlands as Germany’s third-largest trading partner, behind China and the United States. While trade volumes with China remained flat, exports to the Asian giant declined steeply, falling by 9 percent. Shipments to the United States dropped just as sharply, a development largely attributed to the tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump.

These developments prompted Germany to shift more of its trade toward partners within the European Union. Exports to other EU member states rose by 4 percent, and imports climbed by 3 percent. Italy and Poland were among the main beneficiaries, both recording gains of 5 percent.

Although the total value of trade between Germany and the Netherlands fell compared with 2023, the German-Dutch Chamber of Commerce notes that the earlier figure was distorted by exceptionally high energy prices. Measured by trade volumes, 2025 marked an improvement.

The expansion was driven largely by technology and consumer goods, including apparel and furniture. On the technology side, the Netherlands shipped increased volumes of semiconductors and industrial equipment to Germany, while German exports to the Netherlands also rose, particularly in machinery and vehicles.

“Dutch products remain popular in Germany, partly because of their design and the ease of online sales. With trade with China stagnating and a sharp decline in exports to the United States, this is a positive signal of the strong relationship between the two countries,” says Gunter Gulker, director of the German-Dutch Chamber of Commerce.

Germany’s industry has faced prolonged headwinds, with the automotive sector especially hard hit by Chinese competition and U.S. trade tariffs. In December, industrial production declined by 2 percent month on month, a drop that may partly reflect seasonal effects around the holidays. At the same time, incoming orders showed a sharp rebound, climbing by 8 percent from November, the strongest growth in two years.