In response to financial crises since the 1990s, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has developed standards to promote data transparency and support the credibility of statistical systems.

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.

on the topic of External sector

At the end of December 2021, Germany’s net external assets stood at €2,545 billion, thus amounting to around 71% of nominal gross domestic product (GDP). Both German claims and liabilities vis-à-vis non-residents continued to rise in 2021.

Germany’s net international investment position shrank by €90 billion in the first quarter of 2020 - its first drop in eight years. One factor in this decline was the slide in prices in global capital markets triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. Overall, net international investment position remained at a high level of €2.4 trillion.