The German Electro and Digital Industry Association (ZVEI) reported that exports from the sector reached a record €257.5 billion last year, marking a 5.1 percent increase from 2024. This growth is particularly notable given the impact of higher U.S. customs duties.
December proved a key month, with exports surging 10.6 percent to €20.4 billion. For the first time in years, export growth outpaced the growth of imports for electrical and digital products.
Despite the record overall figure, the industry faced setbacks in its largest markets. Exports to the United States fell 3 percent to €24.1 billion, while exports to China dropped 6.2 percent to €23.5 billion.
European markets, however, drove growth in the sector. The Netherlands emerged as the third-largest importer, with a 7.3 percent rise to €15.9 billion, followed closely by France at €15.8 billion. All other top ten European importers also recorded gains, highlighting the region’s strong demand for German electrical and digital products.
