German enterprises constitute net debtors vis-à-vis non-residents: Standing at €1795 billion at the end of April 2025, their liabilities arising from financial operations and trade credits, exceeded their corresponding assets of €1501 billion by €294 billion. Compared with the previous month, this is a change of €1 billion.

On the occasion of the 100th birthday of the German balance of payments, an anniversary volume was published by Springer-Verlag, which can also be downloaded free of charge. In this book, international, European and national scientists, statisticians and practitioners describe the development of the balance of payments.

Before you can register to submit reports pursuant to the Foreign Trade and Payments Regulation electronically, you must apply for a reporting number.

At the end of 2023, Germany’s outward primary and secondary foreign direct investment (FDI) rose by €16 billion to €1,618 billion. 

Here you will find general information on the balance of payments as well as the international standards on which the concept and methodology of the German balance of payments are based.

The recovery of the German economy is being delayed by uncertainty surrounding international trade policy. Only gradually will economic activity be boosted by fiscal measures. The German economy will continue to tread water in the current year.