The Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung reports that in 2023, approximately two-thirds of Germany’s lithium-ion battery imports originated from China, up from nearly half two years prior. The share of solar panels and antibiotics sourced from China also increased significantly. Despite the German government’s 2023 strategy aimed at reducing economic dependencies, the study highlights a growing import reliance on China for critical materials, including rare earth elements essential for electric motor production. As imports from China rise, German exports to the country decline, intensifying pressure on key industries such as automotive and machinery.