German sales in China are expected to exceed sales in the USA which DIHK estimates at 78 billion euros in 2012.

Germany is expected to export products and services worth 85 billion euros (US$120 billion) to China in 2012， according to a recent forecast of the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce(DIHK). As a result German sales in China are expected to exceed sales in the USA which DIHK estimates at 78 billion euros in 2012.

China became the origin of most German imports last year already with Germany importing goods worth US$101 billion， according to the United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics. Germany’s yearly exports to China almost tripled within the last five years from US$26 billion in 2005 to US$71 billion in 2010.

The most wanted German goods in China today are energy plant equipment (US$20 billion)， vehicles and vehicle parts (US$17 billion)， machinery(US$9 billion)， measuring and medical equipment (US$4 billion) and aircraft components (US$3 billion).

Further development is still ahead. “This year’s 12th five year plan and the first exclusive Sino-German government talks are a strong foundation for future growth of Sino-German trade，” said Alexandra Voss， Delegate of German Industry and Commerce in Beijing， adding that “Sectors where we expect a particularly high growth potential in 2012 are machinery， automotive， medical technology and business services.”

AHK Greater China estimates that there are over 1000 German companies in China producing and selling machinery today and another 300 manufacturing vehicles and parts for them. Roughly 100 are active in the field of medical technology.

“Sino-German cooperation flourishes already，” Mrs. Voss said， “And with the fast developing Chinese market I still see a big potential for further growth of German business.”

Nowadays， business relationships between Germany and China are more intensive than ever. China has become the most important partner for Germany in Asia. Over 5， 000 German companies are active in China today and in 2010 the country ranked first for German direct investments.

Meanwhile， engagement of Chinese companies in Germany has increased exponentially in recent years. According to a recent research by China Council for the Promotion of International Trade(CCPIT)， Germany is the most targeted European destination for future Chinese investments. As of the end of last year， the total investment of Chinese companies in Germany had amounted to US$1.27 billion.