In the first quarter of 2025, the German net international investment position (i.i.p.) decreased by €51 billion to €3.4 trillion; that equates to 79 % of gross domestic product (GDP). German claims on non-residents now stand at €13.8 trillion. This compares to German liabilities amounting to €10.3 trillion.

German enterprises constitute net debtors vis-à-vis non-residents: Standing at €1812 billion at the end of May 2025, their liabilities arising from financial operations and trade credits, exceeded their corresponding assets of €1500 billion by €312 billion. Compared with the previous month, this is a change of €14 billion.

The concepts and methodological standards for compiling external sector statistics are set out in numerous international manuals. These are currently being revised.

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.

The external assets of the banks (more than 2 trillion euros) are significantly higher than the external liabilities.

Germany’s gross external debt amounted to €6.6 trillion at the end of the first quarter 2025; relative to gross domestic product (GDP) it increased in the period under review.

Die Leistungsbilanz wies im Gesamtjahr 2024 einen Überschuss von 426 Mrd. € auf (2,8 % des BIP im Euroraum), verglichen mit einem Überschuss von 243 Mrd. € (1,7 % des BIP) ein Jahr zuvor.