According to preliminary figures from the Federal Statistical Office for the reporting period 2024, Thuringia increased its export volume by 1 percent to €18.6 billion. Thuringian imports, however, fell by 6.2 percent to €17.8 billion. For the first time since 2021, a positive trade balance of almost €1 billion was recorded. Total trade volume amounted to €36.4 billion. Incidentally, the trends for Germany as a whole were partly contrasting or less pronounced: German export volume shrank by 1.2 percent and import volume by 3.0 percent.
A closer analysis of these developments reveals some interesting shifts for the Free State of Thuringia. Within Europe, Thuringia was able to expand its foreign trade by almost 2 percent: Growth was particularly strong in Poland, Luxembourg, Ukraine, and the UK; however, sales declined in Austria, France, and Hungary. Looking at absolute figures in a global comparison, Thuringia's most important export market, the USA, recorded the largest increase in export value, while China, previously its second most important export market, experienced the most drastic decline. It remains to be seen how, or even if, this trend will continue under the new trade policy conditions. With our politically supported Thuringian delegation trips, we are here to support you in both markets this year!
