Germany’s current account recorded a surplus of €15.1 billion in November 2025, up €0.3 billion on the previous month’s level. Although the surplus in the goods account decreased, the swing to a surplus in invisible current transactions, which comprise services as well as primary and secondary income, was slightly stronger.

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.

International trade in services refers to the exchange of intangible services such as financial services, tourism or IT between countries. Unlike in goods trade, no physical goods are exchanged. Globalisation, technological developments and the opening-up of markets have greatly increased its importance.

Germany’s current account recorded a surplus of €14.8 billion in October 2025, down €1.0 billion on the previous month’s level. 

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

Germany's economic ties with other countries are reflected in various foreign trade statistics. The country profiles summarize all foreign trade statistics for selected countries to facilitate the analysis of these relationships.

Germany’s net international investment position (i.i.p.) rose by €205.6 billion in 2025.