Amid global instability and geopolitical fractures, Germany is redrawing its trade map — and Eastern Europe is taking centre stage.
For the first time, Germany now trades more with Serbia and Croatia than with Russia, marking a profound shift in economic alignment.
According to the German Eastern Business Association, trade with Poland surged to a record-breaking €90 billion in the first half of 2025 — a 5.4% increase year-on-year.
Germany’s exports to Poland alone topped €49.4 billion, eclipsing those to China.
The trend echoes across the region: German exports to Ukraine jumped 30%, reaching €4.6 billion, while trade with the Czech Republic rose by 3.4%.
Conversely, trade with Russia continued its freefall, down nearly 13%, pushing it to 12th place among Germany’s eastern partners — now trailing behind Serbia, Croatia, and even Lithuania.
As Germany tightens border controls and balances support for Ukraine, its growing economic ties in the East may shape the next era of European cohesion — one trade route at a time.
