Germany is known across the globe as an export superpower. In 2023, Germany exported $1.7 trillion worth of products around the world. As the world’s third largest exporter behind China and the United States, Germany offers great export opportunities in 2024.
What makes Germany such a strong exporting nation? Germany is renowned for its innovative technology, automotive industry, machinery including factory equipment and automation systems, and chemicals sector. Major German brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Adidas, Siemens, Bayer, and BASF are recognized globally.
Beyond these flagship industries, there are many other lucrative products to export from Germany as well. Let’s take a look at the top export opportunities from Germany this year:
Top Products to Export from Germany in 2024
- Automotive Parts
Germany’s automotive industry is world-renowned. Vehicle parts like engines, tires, and electronics represent the largest export from Germany, valued at $265 billion in 2023. Major players like Bosch, ZF Friedrichshafen, and Continental ensure continued demand. - Machinery including Factory Automation Equipment
Germany excels in advanced machinery and factory automation technology used in manufacturing and heavy industries. These goods accounted for $240 billion in exports last year. Siemens and Trumpf are market leaders. - Automobiles
Iconic German vehicle brands Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, and Porsche exported over $220 billion worth of cars globally in 2023. Developing countries present growth markets for German auto exports. - Electronic Equipment
Germany manufactures high-end electronics like medical devices, control units, and other specialized gear, representing $115 billion in overseas shipments last year. German electronics brands like Bosch and Siemens dominate internationally. - Pharmaceutical Products
Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and other pharmaceutical preparations constitute a $65 billion export industry in Germany. Bayer and Merck boast pharmaceutical leadership status. - Aircraft Parts
As a center of excellence in aircraft components, Germany exported $55 billion in airplane parts in 2023. Key players MTU Aero Engines and Liebherr enjoy robust global demand. - Plastics German chemical companies lead in plastic and polymer materials which accounted for $50 billion in foreign sales last year. Brands like BASF, Evonik, and Covestro are polymer powerhouses.
- Iron and Steel
Metallurgical giants ThyssenKrupp and Salzgitter provide high-grade iron, steel, aluminum, and other metals to the tune of $45 billion in exports annually. Constructing modern infrastructure worldwide necessitates German metal. - Telecommunications Equipment
Siemens, Bosch, and Rohde & Schwarz offer advanced telecom solutions from Germany, representing $40 billion in overseas shipments. As digital connectivity spreads, more telecom gear gets exported. - Paper and Paperboard
Germany leads globally in sustainable paper production. Export turnover reached $30 billion last year. Producers like Leipa identify emerging consumer markets abroad. - Medical Technology Germany excels at innovative medical devices and technology valued at over $25 billion in exports. Target growth in medical care internationally signifies greater sales of German medical equipment overseas.
- Electrical Equipment Advanced German electrical equipment exports approached $25 billion in 2023. With energy efficiency demands heightening everywhere, exports by firms such as Siemens face bright prospects.
- Metalworking Machinery Sturdy German machine tools and metalworking equipment constitute a $20 billion export sector. Trumpf and DMG Mori supply leading-edge machinery worldwide.
- Food and Beverage
Renowned for excellent chocolates, beer, and other food specialties, German comestibles exports were worth $15 billion last year. Brands like Haribo, Milka, and Knorr attract global demand. - Railway Vehicles and Equipment
Companies like Siemens Mobility and Knorr-Bremse exported nearly $15 billion worth of rail solutions internationally in 2023. Ubiquitous mass transit upgrades indicate robust sales potential. - Manmade Fibers and Filaments Synthetic fibers and textiles from firms like Trevira accounted for around $10 billion in German export turnover last year. Materials innovations ensure growing business abroad.
- Body Care Products
Advanced skin care, cosmetics, and personal hygiene supplies constitute a $10 billion exports sector in Germany. Beiersdorf and Schwarzkopf groom strong international sales. - Paints and Varnishes Companies like BASF and Axalta Coating Systems shipped $8 billion worth of paints, varnishes, pigments, and other coatings overseas from Germany in 2023. Sustainability trends fuel external market growth.
- Toys and Games Iconic playthings and games like Playmobil, Ravensburger, and Schleich toys racked up $7 billion in worldwide exports last year. German toymakers increasingly penetrate developing markets.
- Textile Machinery German firms like Truetzschler, DiloGroup, Groz-Beckert, and Lindauer DORNIER build premium weaving equipment, looms, and other textile making gear for export markets worth $5 billion annually.
Summary Table of Top 20 German Exports for 2024
| Sr | Product Name | Total Export Share % | Total Export Value | Main Export Countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Automotive Parts | 16% | $265 billion | USA, China, France |
| 2 | Machinery including Factory Automation Equipment | 15% | $240 billion | USA, China, Netherlands |
| 3 | Automobiles | 13% | $220 billion | USA, UK, China |
| 4 | Electronic Equipment | 7% | $115 billion | USA, China, Netherlands |
| 5 | Pharmaceutical Products | 4% | $65 billion | USA, Switzerland, Japan |
| 6 | Aircraft Parts | 3% | $55 billion | France, USA, UK |
| 7 | Plastics | 3% | $50 billion | USA, China, France |
| 8 | Iron and Steel | 3% | $45 billion | USA, Italy, Poland |
| 9 | Telecommunications Equipment | 3% | $40 billion | China, USA, Netherlands |
| 10 | Paper and Paperboard | 2% | $30 billion | Austria, Netherlands, France |
| 11 | Medical Technology | 1% | $25 billion | USA, China, Japan |
| 12 | Electrical Equipment | 1% | $25 billion | USA, China, UK |
| 13 | Metalworking Machinery | 1% | $20 billion | USA, China, India |
| 14 | Food and Beverage | 1% | $15 billion | USA, Netherlands, France |
| 15 | Railway Vehicles and Equipment | 1% | $15 billion | USA, Russia, India |
| 16 | Manmade Fibers and Filaments | 0.5% | $10 billion | Turkey, Italy, USA |
| 17 | Body Care Products | 0.5% | $10 billion | USA, France, UK |
| 18 | Paints and Varnishes | 0.5% | $8 billion | Netherlands, France, Austria |
| 19 | Toys and Games | 0.4% | $7 billion | USA, UK, France |
| 20 | Textile Machinery | 0.3% | $5 billion | China, India, Bangladesh |
Conclusion
With its manufacturing excellence across automotive, machinery, chemicals, technology, and consumer sectors, Germany offers numerous export opportunities in 2024. Small and medium-sized German enterprises also recognize chances to expand internationally. Given substantial emerging market growth plus the strength of globally respected German brands, German exports will likely keep setting new records this year. Exporters worldwide should strongly consider sourcing quality products from Germany.
