EU's largest economy
As the EU's largest economy, Germany accounts for about one-fifth of the EU's overall GDP. It has been enjoying economic growth for nearly a decade. But it seems the tide may be turning.
The world's largest car exporter
As the world's fourth largest economy, Germany also has a pivotal economic presence on the world stage.
This is especially true for the auto industry, where five of the ten most valuable car brands have Germany as their home. That said, it's no surprise that Germany is the world's largest auto exporter.
In fact, around 21 percent, or one in five cars shipped around the world, is exported from Germany, according to the Economic Comprehensive Observatory. The second-largest car exporter is Japan, which accounts for around 14 percent of Germany's exports.
Of Germany's car exports, 58% are exported to other European countries. Asia and North America received 21% and 16%, respectively.
With the U.S. now threatening to impose tariffs of up to 25 percent on cars and auto parts imported from the European Union, the German auto industry has reason to worry. Outside of the European Union, the United States is the largest importer of German cars.
Germany's largest trading partner
German exports totaled $1.33 trillion in 2017, up from $1.25 trillion in 2016. Two-thirds of them are European countries.
By country, Germany's largest export destinations are the United States, France, China, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Collectively, these five countries receive more than one-third of Germany's exports.
