US Surpasses China As Germany’s Top Trade Partner Amid Shifting Economic Tides

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 20, 2025

For the first time since 2015, the United States has overtaken China as Germany’s largest trading partner, reflecting shifting global economic dynamics. Official data shows that declining exports to China and evolving trade patterns have reshaped Germany’s commercial landscape.

Key Trade Figures

Trade between Germany and the US grew by 0.1% year-on-year, reaching €252.8 billion in 2024, according to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office.
Meanwhile, China’s trade volume with Germany fell by 3.1% to €246.3 billion, ending its eight-year reign as Germany’s top partner.
The Netherlands, traditionally a strong trading partner, ranked third with €205.7 billion in trade, down 4.2% from the previous year.
Germany’s trade surplus with the US expanded significantly, rising to €70 billion in 2024 from €63.3 billion in 2023. This was driven by a 2.2% increase in exports to €161.4 billion, while imports from the US declined 3.4% to €91.4 billion.
In contrast, Germany’s trade deficit with China widened, as imports from China dropped 0.3% to €156.3 billion, while German exports to China saw a steeper 7.6% decline, reaching €90 billion.

Germany’s Economic Challenges

Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has struggled to sustain growth over the past five years. Once a dominant force in global trade, particularly in industrial machinery and automotive exports, the country now faces mounting competition from Chinese manufacturers. A sluggish domestic economy and geopolitical trade shifts have further compounded these challenges.

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Looking Ahead

As Germany prepares for a new government following the upcoming elections, reviving economic growth will be a top priority. Trade relations with both China and the United States will remain critical, especially as Germany navigates the policies of the next US administration. The decisions made in the coming months could shape the country’s trade strategy for years to come.

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Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2026

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

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Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.

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