German trade accounts for ten percent of total world volume. Indeed, in 2003, Germany even outperformed the United States as regards its share of exports making it the leading export economy.
Germany s foreign trade surplus illustrates the strong competitiveness of German firms. The former inceased from a good 11 billion in 1991, to 130 billion in 2003. Imports totaling 532 billion were offset by the export of goods and services totaling 661 billion.
The western industrialized countries are Germany 's most important trading partners. The closest trading relationships continue to be those with EU member states, with whom more than half of all foreign trade is conducted. In 2003, the most important partner was once again France . In terms of imports, the Netherlands and United States followed next. Following France , the main importers of German goods and services were the United States and Great Britain .
The curve for trade with the central and east European countries that recently joined the EU is also very positive. In 2003, Germany exported goods to these countries totaling 56.5 billion, and imported goods from these nations to the value of 57.3 billion. In 2003, exports to these nations were up 5.7 percent on 2002, while imports rose by an impressive ten percent. Trade with the EU accession countries has seen markedly stronger growth in the ten years from 1993 to 2003 than German foreign trade as a whole. This is a clear indication of just how strong the role of this region is for German foreign trade, and the importance it will have for Germany in light of EU expansion eastwards. In 2003, the Czech Republic was the most important market for German goods and services in central and east Europe , followed by Poland and Hungary .
Foreign trade is exceedingly important for both growth and employment. In Germany , roughly one job in four depends on the export trade. In manufacturing this dependence is even stronger, with over one third of the sectors produce being exported. Essentially, if Germany did not have such close ties with the world economy it would not be able to surivive as a modern industrial nation. Needless to say, efficiency and competitiveness are also a fundamental basis for relations with other countries. Trade and economic links help stabilize international relations.
German Economic System
Infrastructure
Liberalization
Foreign trade
Foreign economic policy
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