In 2024, Germany maintained its strong global export position, driven primarily by its manufacturing sector. Motor vehicles and parts remained the country's top export category, accounting for around 17% of total exports (about €263 billion). Machinery followed with a 14% share, while chemical products contributed 9%. The United States emerged as Germany’s largest export destination, with German firms shipping goods worth €161.4 billion across the Atlantic. France, the Netherlands, Poland and China also ranked among the top destinations, underscoring Germany’s key role in global industrial supply chains.

In Germany, industrial production measures the output of businesses integrated in industrial sector of the economy. Manufacturing is the most important sector and accounts for 79 percent of total production. The biggest segments within Manufacturing are: machinery and equipment (12 percent of total production); motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers (12 percent); basic metals and fabricated metal products (10 percent); and computers, electronic and optical products and electrical equipment (10 percent). Construction accounts for 11 percent of total output; and energy production accounts for 10 percent.

Germany continued to post significant trade surpluses with key partners in 2024. The surplus with the United States stood at approximately €69.8 billion, reflecting robust demand for German industrial goods, such as motor vehicles and machinery. In contrast, Germany recorded a substantial trade deficit with China—around €66.3 billion—due to high imports of electronics, machinery, and other manufactured products. Overall, the US regained its position as Germany’s largest trading partner, slightly ahead of China, with the Netherlands ranking third.

South Africa is the most developed country in Africa and was the largest until 2014, when it was overtaken by Nigeria. The largest sector of the economy is services which accounts for around 73 percent of GDP. Within services, the most important are finance, real estate and business services (21.6 percent); government services (17 percent); wholesale, retail and motor trade, catering and accommodation (15 percent); and transport, storage and communication (9.3 percent). Manufacturing accounts for 13.9 percent; mining and quarrying for around 8.3 percent and agriculture for only 2.6 percent.

South Africa is the most developed country in Africa and was the largest until 2014, when it was overtaken by Nigeria. The largest sector of the economy is services which accounts for around 73 percent of GDP. Within services, the most important are finance, real estate and business services (21.6 percent); government services (17 percent); wholesale, retail and motor trade, catering and accommodation (15 percent); and transport, storage and communication (9.3 percent). Manufacturing accounts for 13.9 percent; mining and quarrying for around 8.3 percent and agriculture for only 2.6 percent.