Setback for Bavaria's Export Industry in the USA and China - Setback for Bavaria's Export Industry in the USA and China
Bavaria’s export figures have dipped slightly in the first three quarters of the year. Total shipments abroad fell by just 0.3% to nearly €189.2 billion. The decline comes as key markets like the U.S. and China cut back on imports, putting pressure on local industries.
The U.S. and China, two of Bavaria’s largest trading partners, have both reduced purchases. Exports to the U.S. dropped by 6.6% to €22.4 billion in the first nine months of the year. In October alone, Trump’s tariffs caused a near 10% decline compared to the same month in 2024.
China’s imports from Bavaria also fell sharply. Shipments to the country decreased by 16% to €11.4 billion over the same period. Both U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have pushed policies to limit imports and support domestic production. To counter these losses, Bavarian companies have turned to alternative markets. Many are now focusing on trade within the EU. Dr. Bernhard Kling, managing director of the Bavarian Industry Association for Building Materials, Stones, and Earth (BIV), noted the shift as a necessary response to the changing global trade landscape.
The slight overall decline in Bavaria’s exports reflects broader trade challenges. While losses in the U.S. and China remain significant, businesses are adapting by expanding into other regions. The EU has become a key target for offsetting the drop in demand from major overseas markets.
