Story perspectives

China Overtakes US as Germany’s Top FDI Source in 2025

5/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

China became Germany’s top single-country source of foreign direct investment in 2025, overtaking the United States with 228 projects versus 206.
German FDI fell 9.3% to 1,564 projects in 2025, while the European Union contributed 33% of the total, outpacing both China and the United States.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Chinese firms during his February Beijing visit to expand investment in German automotive, machinery, chemicals, energy and electromobility.

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Story summary

China became Germany’s top single-country source of foreign direct investment in 2025, overtaking the United States with 228 projects versus 206.
German FDI fell 9.3% to 1,564 projects in 2025, while the European Union contributed 33% of the total, outpacing both China and the United States.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Chinese firms during his February Beijing visit to expand investment in German automotive, machinery, chemicals, energy and electromobility.