The situation of German exports

For many years, an important pillar in the economic development of the Federal Republic of Germany has been the export success of German companies. With increasing global economic integration, the conditions for exporters have changed significantly. Companies in emerging nations, e.g. China and Brazil, are not only customers for German goods but also compete with German companies in the global markets. This results in both opportunities and risks for Germany in connection with structural adjustments in the export sector. This article examines the development of German exports in recent years and, in light of increasing economic globalisation, shows the effects on employment in various sectors. The statistics for the most important target countries show that German export firms have succeeded in profiting from the stable growth of the emerging economies and have further expanded their exports. This increase is partly at the expense of exports to the established industrial countries, as the German export share has steadily decreased in these countries. Europe (EU-27), however, continues to be the most important market for German goods. In addition to the BRIC countries – Brazil, Russia, India and China – there are many other economies that because of their size and growth dynamics also play a key role in the development of the world economy and for German export successes. Turkey numbers among these countries, especially from a German perspective.