Strong Export Industry
Germany: The world's leading exporter
From 2003-2008, Germany was the world's leading exporter of goods until it ceded the title of "export world champion" to China - an incomparably more populous country - in 2009. In 2010, Germany exported goods worth a total of 924.8 billion euros (19.1% more than in 2009), and its surplus of exports over imports tallied 153.1 billion euros.
The world's leading exporters and importers of goods in 2010
(share of worldwide trade in goods)
| Country | Exports | Imports |
| China | 10.4 % | 9.1 % |
| United States | 8.4 % | 12.8 % |
| Germany | 8.3 % | 6.9 % |
| Japan | 5.1 % | 4.5 % |
| Netherlands | 3.8 % | 3.4 % |
| France | 3.4 % | 3.9 % |
| Republic of Korea | 3.1 % | 2.8 % |
| Italy | 2.9 % | 3.1 % |
| Russia | 2.8 % | 2.5 % |
| United Kingdom | 2.7 % | 3.6 % |
| India | 1.4 % | 2.1 % |
Source: WTO
In 2010, exports of goods accounted for 85% of Germany's total external economic activity. Our export strength reflects the efficiency and high performance of German industry. The share of exports in Germany's most significant export sectors has risen markedly since 1995, and this is proof of the enhanced competitiveness of German industrial companies. For example, from 1995 to 2010, the share of exports rose from 42.7% to 61.1% in the mechanical engineering sector, from 41.6% to 59.5% in the chemical/pharmaceutical industry, from 47.7% to 62.8% in the automotive industry, and from 35.4% to 51.0% in the electrical engineering industry.
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