Global trade partner
Germany is one of the world’s strongest economies. As an exporter, Germany is committed to free markets while also prioritising human rights protections in global trade.
![Containerschiff](/sites/default/files/styles/style_topic_header/public/2020-11/Seite-Topic-Globaler-Handelspartner-Neu.jpg?itok=LHg2JaTw)
Insight
Partner in the EU and worldwide
Germany is particularly strong in exports. Thanks to its numerous trade agreements, the country has secure trading relationships.
The five largest German companies
![Unternehmen](/sites/default/files/styles/style_image_small/public/2023-01/2022_Tatsachen_Unternehmen_EN.png?itok=CLRYC0b7)
© Seventyfour/stock.adobe.com
![Mittelstandsunternehmen](/sites/default/files/styles/style_video_story_small/public/2021-01/TueD_Slider_Global_01_99.jpg?itok=CXeCUzXo)
More than 99 percent
The greatest proportion of companies in Germany form part of the “Mittelstand”, the segment consisting of small and medium-sized companies.
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![Erfindung zum Patent anmelden](/sites/default/files/styles/style_video_story_small/public/2021-01/TueD_Slider_Global_02_Patente.jpg?itok=KWKvs31a)
Around 26,000 patents
Germany is European champion when it comes to innovation.
€156.1 billion
The value of goods which Germany exported to the USA in 2022. The US is the leading customer country, followed by France, the Netherlands and China.
© BASF SE
![BASF Angestellte](/sites/default/files/styles/style_video_story_small/public/2021-01/TueD_Slider_Global_04_7Mio_0.jpg?itok=2_mzoil0)
7 million employees
The number of people working for German companies abroad.
© engel.ac/stock.adobe.com
![Offene Märkte](/sites/default/files/styles/style_video_story_small/public/2021-01/TueD_Slider_Global_05_Aussenhandel.jpg?itok=_c0dgT7j)
140 Chambers of Commerce Abroad
Germany is committed to open markets, fair and free trade, and vibrant commercial interaction.
Background
A modern trading nation
Germany continues to rely on its great expertise in industry whilst remaining a driver of digital progress.
The five largest trading nations
![Handelsnationen](/sites/default/files/styles/style_image_small/public/2023-01/2022_Tatsachen_Handelsnationen_EN.png?itok=2VroSNl9)
Milestones
The success story of the German economy
Important milestones on Germany’s path to becoming a global player