Germany has reduced its imports from Romania by over 10% in the first 3 months, say German statisticians

The volume of trade between Romania and Germany decreased by -6.1% in the first three months of 2025, compared to the same period last year, totaling 10.36 billion EUR, according to AHK Romania, which cites the Federal Institute of Statistics, Destatis.

Thus, Germany's exports to Romania decreased by -1.2 %, totaling over 5.68 billion EUR and the imports from Romania were reduced even more, by -11.4 %, reaching a volume of 4.68 billion.

Romania is 19th between Germany's export partners, and as a market for imports it went down from 16th to the 18th.

“The decline of German imports from Romania (so of Romanian exports) is due primarily to the weak economic dynamics in Germany and the tense economic situation throughout Europe. It is precisely in this provocative context that Romania, as a business location, must focus even more on improving its competitiveness. of fiscal policy currently under discussion, it is a special importance. significant bureaucracy, to strengthen the credibility of the state and create the basis for a sustainable budget development, ”says Sebastian Metz, general manager of AHK Romania.

In 2024, the volume of trade between Romania and Germany was 42 billion euros.

There are several reasons that can lead to a decrease in Germany's imports from Romania, including:

• The economic situation of Germany: Germany, being the largest economy of the European Union, is addicted to exports. A slowing down or even a recession in the German economy (as estimated for 2025 by some economic institutes, with a contraction of the GDP) can reduce the internal demand for products, including those imported. This translates to a lower demand from German companies for goods and services in Romania.

• The problems in the German industry: The German processing industry, an important engine of the economy, was affected by the weak global demand and the economic uncertainties. A decrease in activity in this industry can lead to a reduction of orders placed to suppliers in Romania, especially if it is components or intermediate products.

• Problems related to supply chains and costs: Increasing costs with raw materials, energy and workforce can affect the competitiveness of Romanian producers. If the prices of Romanian products become less attractive for German buyers compared to other markets, they could look for alternatives.

• Reorientation of supply chains: German companies, in the context of recent crises (pandemic, the Ukraine war), could try to diversify and shorten their supply chains, moving the production closer to home or to other partners.

• The global protectionist measures (commercial wars): Customs taxes imposed by countries such as the US can affect the German, export -based economy, which can also reduce its ability to import from other countries, including Romania.