German trade surpluses

Automotive industry is taking the lead, followed by mechanical engineering. The fourth rank goes to
electrical engineering. These three sectors by themselves ran a surplus of around EUR 42 bn in 2017. The decisive factor
has always been the attractiveness of these products to consumers on the other side of the Atlantic.

Conversely, US companies, for instance, dominate the European and German market for numerous digital services, due to consumer
satisfaction with the product and the US’ specialisation advantages in this segment.