Balance of payments

The balance of payments records all economic transactions between residents and non-residents within a given time period and thus shows a country’s complex economics links with the rest of the world.

Press release

Current results

German balance of payments in January 2021

15.03.2021 Deutsche Bundesbank DE

Germany’s current account recorded a surplus of €16.9 billion in January 2021, down €8.9 billion from the previous month’s level. This was primarily due to the decline in the surplus for invisible current transactions – which comprise not only services but also primary and secondary income – but also to the narrower surplus in the goods account.

German balance of payments in January 2021

Associated tables

German balance of payments vis-à-vis the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a very important economic partner for Germany. Each year, the two countries exchange goods services and income worth approximately €240 billion. The exchange of goods accounts for about 50% of this figure. Germany’s trade surplus with the United Kingdom amounts to around €45 billion per year. As an economic partner, it is second only to the United States.

Associated tables, UK

German balance of payments vis-à-vis the United States of America

Components of the current and financial account Country: United States of America

The charts show how the current and financial account balances, including the contributions made by each component, have evolved vis-à-vis the United States since 2006 (annual data).

Associated tables, USA