China's machines conquer Germany: an export boom without end!

China's machines conquer Germany: an export boom without end!

In the world of machines and devices, a lot seems to be going on. According to Tagesschau , technically sophisticated products from China, especially machines, are increasingly important on the German market. In May 2025, exports from the Middle Kingdom to Germany recorded a remarkable increase of 22 % compared to the same month last year. Already in April it was 20 % and 12 % in March.

Over half of all Chinese exports to Germany now consists of mechanical or electrical machines. In return, Germany exported 42 % of its machines to China in 2024 and contributed another 22 % in the form of cars, trucks and agricultural machinery. However, the situation does not remain undisputed, because the Association of German Machine and Plant Construction (VDMA) confirms that German exports to China decreased by 6 % in the first five months of 2025.

rising competition from China

The competition between Chinese mechanical engineers is becoming increasingly noticeable. Germany has had to submit the title as an export world champion to China since 2020. After all, mechanical and plant engineering has a share of around 16 % overall in German, which totaled machines worth around $ 223 billion by 2020. At the same time, Chinese mechanical engineers recorded increasing market shares, especially in third countries.

The power hunger of China in mechanical engineering continues unabated. With the “Made in China 2025” strategy, the country is aiming to take over the technological dominance in various industrial sizes by 2035. There is also a good investment: the Chinese government controls extensive resources in research and development, whereby this benefits both Chinese companies and export -oriented European companies. However, the challenges should not be underestimated.

like The mechanical engineering reports in China create falling population and an aging society social challenges. In addition, the Chinese economy shows signs of weakness, especially in the industrial sector. The economic situation is also burdened by a deflation that has been in last year, which puts industry under pressure.

market analysis and outlook

According to an analysis based on the international list of goods for foreign trade, China has almost exposed to the global machine exports in the past 20 years. According to forecasts, China 2022 will export machines and systems worth over $ 300 billion-a further increasing lead over German exports of $ 70 billion is emerging.

The interference of Chinese politics also has an effect. In this way, advantageous financing offers are often provided, while foreign companies are increasingly confronted with competitive disadvantages. It seems all the more important that Germany and the EU are working on their competitiveness and adapting the trade policy instruments to protect the internal market from subsidized competitors from China.

Overall, there is a multi -layered picture: On the one hand, the growing potential and technological dynamics of China, on the other hand, the challenges with which the German mechanical engineering industry is confronted. How the market will develop remains to be seen, but it is certain, there is something. The developments can be observed in any case, because mechanical engineering plays a crucial role in the global trade landscape.