A highly developed economy that excels in advanced manufacturing
Germany is consistently among Wisconsin’s top export destinations, ranking fourth in 2023. The healthy volume of trade reflects a history of immigration from German-speaking countries to Wisconsin; mutual strength in manufacturing; and shared emphasis on quality, productivity, and a strong work ethic. In all, Wisconsin exported nearly $1 billion in goods to Germany in 2023.
Germany is the third-largest economy in the world by nominal GDP (fifth-largest by purchasing power parity) and accounts for more than one-fifth of the European Union’s GDP. This economic powerhouse imports $1.5 trillion worth of products each year, $77 billion of this from the U.S. It has a GDP exceeding $4 trillion; the German economy contracted by .3% in 2023 but is forecasted to grow by .7% in 2024. Germany’s path to prosperity in recent decades has focused on developing new technologies, driving innovation, and leveraging a highly skilled workforce that demands higher wage rates.
To help Wisconsin exporters grow their exports to the market, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will be leading a global trade mission to Germany in April 2025. This trade mission is intentionally scheduled to coincide with Hannover Messe, the world’s largest industrial technology trade show, which is held annually in the German city of Hannover.
Business connections
This program is suitable for companies that are new to exporting. For companies looking to break into exporting into the region more broadly, Germany is an ideal first market with its stable political and economic climate and integration into the euro zone. The German market can provide an orientation to the EU regulatory environment, facilitating subsequent export expansion elsewhere in the region.
What’s more, Hannover Messe draws more than 200,000 attendees from nearly every country in the world, including key decision-makers from many of the attending companies. Because of this, the trade mission represents an important opportunity to forge export connections not just in the German market but across Europe and beyond.
Companies in these sectors are especially encouraged to consider attending:
- Industrial automation
- Robotics
- Energy and environmental technologies
- Cybersecurity
- Digital platforms and cloud solutions
- Smart logistics
- Supply chain optimization
- Advanced materials
- Additive manufacturing
- Process engineering
- Mechanical components
- Electrical equipment
- Electric vehicles and charging infrastructure
- Smart transportation
- Human-machine interfaces
- Workplace safety and ergonomics
- Energy management
- Sustainable manufacturing
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Exclusive access
In addition to having your appointments arranged for you and potential business partners identified, each trade mission participant will also receive a market assessment for Germany specific to your company, detailing considerations to keep in mind when introducing your product or service into the market. WEDC has eyes and ears on the ground in Europe in the form of Wisconsin’s authorized trade representative—thus making it easier for Wisconsin companies to find partners they can trust and taking some of the guesswork out of launching in a new market. With all your appointments arranged for you, you can focus on business rather than logistics and scheduling.
