Electronics, automation, transport, logistics, energy and digitalization are the main interests of Chinese investors. More than a fifth of the projects involve manufacturing and R&D

As reported by CCTV+, according to an official report, Chinese companies became the largest source of foreign investment projects in Germany in 2025, surpassing the United States for the first time since 2017.

According to the annual report of the federal agency Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI), Chinese firms launched 228 investment projects in Germany last year. That is 14.6 percent more than in the previous year.

Achim Hartig, Managing Director of GTAI, said: “We are pleased to see that, despite the difficult global economic situation, Germany remained a strong partner for foreign investors. China again took first place with 228 projects — a remarkable achievement.”

US companies accounted for 206 projects, 10 percent fewer than the previous year. Switzerland took third place with 174 projects, a decrease of 13.9 percent. The report tracks investments in new enterprises and expansion projects, excluding mergers and acquisitions.

Overall, the number of foreign investment projects in Germany fell by 9.3 percent to 1,564 in 2025, reflecting the difficult global investment environment. GTAI noted that Germany remains relatively resilient compared to other EU countries, where the number of projects fell by about 18 percent.

Chinese investors showed the greatest interest in electronics and automation, transport and logistics, energy and digitalization. More than one-fifth of Chinese projects involved manufacturing and R&D activities — above the average. This indicates that Chinese firms are deepening their integration into the local industrial base.

Thomas Bozoyan, a GTAI expert and author of the report, stated that Chinese companies are continuously expanding their presence in Germany, particularly in the areas of industrial applications, advanced and future-oriented technologies, and knowledge-intensive services.

228 projects versus 206. China overtook the US in Germany for the first time in eight years. Not through mergers and acquisitions, but through new enterprises and expansions. Electronics, automation, transport, energy. One in five projects involves manufacturing and R&D. Chinese firms are not just entering the German market — they are growing into its industrial base. While others are cutting investments, China is increasing them. The question is not how many more projects will be launched. The question is when Germany will cease to be just a market for China and become a home. Judging by the GTAI report, that moment is near. And US companies feel it. Their projects are down 10 percent. China’s are up 14.6 percent. The trend is clear. The only question is where it will lead in five years.