Decreased Export and Import Volumes in Bavaria's International Tradefall Short of Anticipated Levels
The Bavarian economy, a significant contributor to Germany's overall economic growth, has experienced a decline in exports in the first half of 2025, according to the vbw - Association of the Bavarian Economy.
Bertram Brossardt, CEO of vbw, has expressed concern over the economic figures, highlighting a four percent decrease in the number of machines exported and a three and a half percent decrease in the number of passenger cars exported during this period. The total value of goods exported, which amounted to approximately 114 billion euros, saw a one percent decrease compared to the previous year.
Imports also took a hit, decreasing by around one percent to 112.5 billion euros. Notably, exports to China decreased sharply by nearly 25 percent. However, there was a significant increase in exports of pharmaceutical products, with an increase between 33 and nearly 50 percent.
Exports to the EU increased by around one percent, while exports to France and Austria decreased by up to 3.6 percent. Exports to the USA also saw a decrease of around three percent. The decline in exports of motor vehicle parts was around three percent, and electrical equipment exports decreased by between two and six percent.
The most important Bavarian companies involved in exports of machinery, vehicles, motor vehicle parts, chemicals, and electrical equipment include major industrial firms such as BMW, Audi, Siemens, and chemical companies like Wacker Chemie and Linde. While specific data on the exact extent of their export decline in the first half of 2025 is not available, overall economic reports indicate challenges due to market volatility and geopolitical factors that could have affected export volumes in these sectors.
Brossardt calls for more support for companies in the challenging global competition, emphasising the need for an attractive and competitive location. He also expressed concerns about the limited planning security provided by the EU-US trade deal. The export of aircraft and parts increased significantly, but chemical products exports fell by around six percent.
In conclusion, the Bavarian economy has faced challenges in the first half of 2025, with a decline in exports across various sectors. The vbw has expressed concern and called for support and planning security to navigate these challenging times.
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