Top 10 Products Exported From Germany

Germany is one of the world’s largest exporters, along with the United States and China. In 2019, Germany exported $1.81 trillion worth of goods and services, and exports account for about half of the country’s value added. In 2022, Germany exported goods worth 1,576 billion euros.

In this article, we will look into the list of top 10 export products of Germany along with their export values.

List of Top 10 Export Products of Germany

The top ten export products from Germany account for 68.5% of Germany’s overall export value in US dollars. Germany’s exports show its expertise in several industries, including healthcare and technology. Germany’s goods trade surplus grew even further by the end of 2023, providing additional evidence that net exports played a major role in the fourth quarter GDP growth.

Here is the list of top ten German exports :

Top 10 Export Products of Germany
Product	Export Value
Vehicles	US$257.5 billion
Machinery including Computers	US$253.3 billion
Electrical Machinery & Equipment	US$176.6 billion
Pharmaceuticals	US$124.2 billion
Optical, Technical & Medical Apparatus	US$78.7 billion
Plastics & Plastic Articles	US$75.1 billion
Mineral Fuels	US$61.8 billion
Articles of Iron & Steel	US$37.4 billion
Other Chemical Goods	US$35.3 billion
Organic Chemicals	US$34.2 billion

10. Organic Chemicals

Organic chemicals are Germany’s 10th largest export product, accounting for $34.2 billion in 2023. In 2021, Germany was the fourth largest exporter of organic chemicals in the world, exporting $33.4 billion worth of the product.

• Organic chemicals include several compounds such as petrochemicals, solvents, polymers, dyes, and pharmaceutical intermediates. These chemicals serve as essential raw materials for various industries, including pharmaceuticals, plastics, textiles, and agriculture.
• Germany specializes in producing several specialty organic chemicals, including fine chemicals, specialty polymers, agrochemicals, and pharmaceutical intermediates.
• Germany’s organic chemical industry benefits from a well-integrated supply chain, including raw material suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and service providers.
• German chemical manufacturers comply with strict regulatory requirements, ensuring the safety, quality, and environmental sustainability of their organic chemicals. Compliance with international standards enhances market access and increases trust among customers.

9. Other Chemical Goods

In 2023, chemical products were Germany’ ninth most important export product, accounting for 9% of its exports.

• “Other Chemical Goods” includes several chemical products including various chemicals, compounds, and specialty products used across industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, and manufacturing.
• German chemical goods are renowned for their quality, reliability, and adherence to strict regulatory standards. The “Made in Germany” label assures customers of superior product performance and safety.
• Germany specializes in producing several specialty chemicals, including industrial chemicals, fine chemicals, polymers, adhesives, and coatings. These specialized products serve niche markets and command premium prices.
• The German chemical industry is a hub of innovation, investing heavily in research and development to develop new chemicals, formulations, and applications. This focus on innovation increases growth and maintains competitiveness in global markets.

8. Articles of Iron and Steel

Germany is also a leading exporter of metals, including metallic, iron, and steel. In 2023, Germany exported $37.4 billion in iron and steel, making it the world’s eighth-largest exporter.

• In 2023, the United States was Germany’s eighth-largest destination for steel exports, accounting for 4% of exports. Germany’s main export destinations for iron and steel are the United States, Turkey, and Pakistan.
• German exports in this category includes several iron and steel products such as machinery parts, tools, pipes, wires, and various industrial components. German-made iron and steel products are in demand worldwide due to their quality, durability, and reliability.
• Germany specializes in producing high-value-added iron and steel products, including specialty alloys, precision components, and engineered steel structures.
• Germany’s strategic location in the heart of Europe provides easy access to major export markets in Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond. The country’s well-developed transportation and logistics infrastructure facilitates efficient export of iron and steel products.

7. Mineral Fuels

Mineral fuels are Germany’s seventh largest export product, accounting for 3.7% of total exports. In 2021, Germany exported $34.7 billion in mineral fuels, mineral oils, and products of their distillation.

• Germany relies heavily on imported mineral fuels to meet its energy needs due to limited domestic production. The country is transitioning towards renewable energy sources as part of its Energiewende policy, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.
• Germany’s domestic production of mineral fuels is limited, including crude oil, natural gas, and coal. Germany’s economy is primarily encouraged by its manufacturing and engineering sectors, which produce high-value goods for export.
• While Germany has some capacity for refining crude oil, it mainly imports crude oil for processing into refined petroleum products.
• Germany does export refined petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel, and other fuels, but these do not constitute a major portion of its export revenue compared to manufactured goods.

6. Plastics and Plastic Articles

In 2023, plastics and plastic articles were Germany’s sixth largest export product, accounting for 4.6% of the country’s total exports.

• In 2022, Germany exported $75.1 billion worth of plastics and rubbers, making it the sixth largest exporter of the product in the world.
• Germany’s plastics and plastic articles industry includes several products, including polymers, plastic resins, plastic components, packaging materials, and plastic machinery. These products serve various industries such as automotive, construction, electronics, healthcare, and packaging.
• German-made plastics and plastic articles are recognized globally for their quality, durability, and technical expertise.
• Germany specializes in high-value-added plastic products, including engineering plastics, specialty polymers, and custom-designed components. These products meet demanding performance requirements and offer solutions for several industrial applications.

5. Optical, Technical & Medical Apparatus

Optical, technical, and medical apparatus is the fifth largest export product of Germany, accounting for 4.8% of its total exports.

• In 2023, Germany exported $78.7 billion worth of goods globally, with optical, technical, and medical apparatus accounting for 5.4% of that.
• Germany’s medical device market is one of the most lucrative healthcare markets in the world, accounting for roughly $42 billion annually. Key sub-sectors of German medical technology include: Medical technologies, Health IT, Diagnostic products, Biopharmaceuticals, Dental products.
• Germany has a long history of producing high quality medical equipment, with an emphasis on diagnostic imaging, precision medical, and dental.
• German optical, technical, and medical apparatus are exported to markets across the globe, including Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond. Major export destinations include the United States, China, Japan, and European Union countries.

4. Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical products are the fourth largest export product of Germany, worth $124.2 billion in 2023.

• Germany’s main pharmaceutical export destinations are the United States, Switzerland, Italy, France, and the Netherlands
• Germany is the fourth largest pharmaceutical market in the world, after the US, China, and Japan. In 2019, the German pharmaceutical market’s revenues increased by 5.7 percent, reaching EUR 46.4 billion.
• The German pharmaceutical industry adheres to strict regulatory standards set by authorities such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Compliance with these regulations ensures the safety, efficacy, and quality of pharmaceutical products.
• Germany’s well-developed healthcare infrastructure and universal healthcare system create a favourable environment for pharmaceutical companies to flourish.

3. Electrical Machinery & Equipment

As of 2023, electrical machinery and equipment is Germany’s third largest export product, worth $176.6 billion.

• This sector includes several products, including electrical machinery, appliances, electronics, and communication equipment.
• Electrical machinery and equipment rank as the third-largest export product of Germany, following vehicles and machinery, including computers. German-made electrical products are highly regarded globally for their quality, reliability, and advanced technology.
• Germany exports electrical machinery and equipment to markets worldwide. Key export destinations include the United States, China, France, and other European and Asian countries.
• Germany’s leadership in renewable energy technology, particularly in solar and wind power, increases demand for electrical machinery and equipment.

2. Machinery including Computers

Machinery and computers are Germany’s second-largest export product, worth $253.3 billion in 2023. This is 15.3% of Germany’s total exports.

• Germany’s machinery and computer equipment industry ranks among the world’s largest and most technologically advanced. It includes several products, including industrial machinery, manufacturing equipment, and computer hardware and software.
• Machinery, including computers, stands as the second-largest export product of Germany, following closely behind vehicles. German-made machinery is famous for its precision engineering, reliability, and innovative technology.
• Germany exports machinery and computer equipment to countries worldwide. Key export destinations include the United States, China, France, and other European and Asian countries.
• The machinery sector in Germany includes several products, including industrial robots, machine tools, automation systems, and computer hardware and software.

1. Vehicles

Motor vehicles and their parts were Germany’s main export product in 2023, accounting for 17.2% of exports.

• Since 2010, motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers have been Germany’s most important export products. In 2021, Germany exported $135 billion in cars, making it the world’s largest exporter of cars.
• It’s one of the most famous sectors globally, with brands like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz dominating the market.
• Vehicles constitute the largest export product of Germany. The country exports automobiles, trucks, and automotive parts to various destinations worldwide, including the United States, China, and other European countries.
• The automotive industry is a significant source of employment in Germany, providing jobs not only in manufacturing but also in research, development, design, and related services.

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FAQs on Top 10 Products Exported From Germany

What are the top export products of Germany?

Germany’s top export products include vehicles, machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, optical/medical apparatus, plastics, iron/steel articles, other chemical goods, organic chemicals, and electrical machinery/equipment.

Why are vehicles a top export product of Germany?

Germany is famous for its automotive industry, producing high-quality vehicles such as BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz, which are in demand globally.

What machinery products does Germany export?

Germany exports several machineries, including industrial equipment, manufacturing machinery, and computer hardware/software, reflecting its expertise in engineering and technology.

Why is the pharmaceutical industry important in Germany’s exports?

Germany’s pharmaceutical sector is highly advanced, producing a range of medications and medical devices known for their quality and innovation, contributing to its export revenue.

What falls under optical, technical, and medical apparatus in Germany’s exports?

This category includes products like medical devices, optical instruments, and scientific equipment, representing Germany’s strength in precision engineering and medical technology.

Why are plastics and plastic articles among Germany’s top exports?

Germany tops in producing high-quality plastics and plastic articles, serving various industries globally, including automotive, construction, and packaging.

What contributes to iron and steel articles being among Germany’s top exports?

Germany’s expertise in manufacturing precision steel products, including machinery parts and tools, contributes to the popularity of iron and steel articles in international markets.

Why are other chemical goods important in Germany’s export portfolio?

Germany produces a wide range of chemical products, including industrial chemicals and specialty compounds, meeting the needs of industries worldwide.

What makes organic chemicals an important export product for Germany?

Germany specializes in producing high-value organic chemicals, including pharmaceutical intermediates and specialty polymers, catering to global demand across various sectors.

How does electrical machinery/equipment contribute to Germany’s exports?

Germany’s electrical machinery and equipment sector produces advanced technologies such as electronics and telecommunications equipment, increasing its export revenue.