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German economy minister will travel to China in May

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on April 22, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: April 23, 2026

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German economy minister will travel to China in May
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By Maria Martinez BERLIN, April 21 (Reuters) - German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche will travel to China in May to discuss key issues between the trading partners behind closed doors, she said on

German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche to Visit China for Trade Discussions

Overview of the Upcoming Trade Visit

By Maria Martinez

Purpose of the Visit

BERLIN, April 21 (Reuters) - German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche will travel to China in May to discuss key issues between the trading partners behind closed doors, she said on Wednesday.

Significance of the Chinese Market

"China remains a large and important market for us," Reiche said. "At the same time, we are fully aware that raw materials, intermediate goods and other products essential for industry are being used as geopolitical instruments," she added.

Key Discussion Points and Previous Delegations

The trip will focus on Germany's role as a reliable and important partner, while also addressing concerns about "unfair trade practices and dumping prices", said Reiche, adding that Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the finance and foreign ministers had already visited China.

Reporting and Editing Credits

(Reporting by Maria MartinezEditing by Madeline Chambers)

Key Takeaways

  • The May visit will underscore Germany’s position as a steady trade partner while pressing China on unfair trade practices and reliance on raw materials as leverage.
  • Germany faces growing supply risks, particularly for critical raw materials like rare earths, with 65% of its rare earth imports coming from China, prompting EU efforts to diversify sources under the Critical Raw Materials Act.
  • Reiche’s trip follows high-level German visits—including Chancellor Merz’s February 2026 China mission and Finance Minister Klingbeil’s 2025 trip—and coincides with plans for regular government-level consultations with China.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the German economy minister traveling to China?
Katherina Reiche is traveling to China to discuss key trade issues between Germany and China behind closed doors.
What topics will be discussed during the visit to China?
The visit will address Germany's role as a trading partner, concerns about unfair trade practices, and the use of essential products as geopolitical instruments.
Who else from Germany has recently visited China?
Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the finance and foreign ministers from Germany had already visited China.
When will the German economy minister travel to China?
Katherina Reiche will travel to China in May.
What concerns will Katherina Reiche address in China?
She will address concerns regarding unfair trade practices and dumping prices.

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