Core Viewpoint - Despite the German government's concerns about dependency on China, major German exporters continue to invest heavily in the Chinese market, with a projected increase in investment from €54 billion to €57 billion between 2023 and 2024, reflecting a €1.3 billion growth [1] Group 1: Automotive Industry - The automotive sector is central to German investment in China, accounting for approximately two-thirds of total investments, with a significant growth rate of 69% expected from 2023 to 2024, reaching €42 billion [3] - Major German car manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen view China as their most important market, with BMW investing around €3.8 billion in a battery project in Shenyang and planning to export electric SUVs back to Europe [3][4] - Mercedes-Benz is developing electric vehicles exclusively for the Chinese market, while Volkswagen has signed multiple agreements with Chinese companies to accelerate technological development [3] Group 2: Chemical and Engineering Sectors - BASF has opened a comprehensive facility in China valued at €8.7 billion, marking its largest investment project to date, emphasizing the importance of the Chinese market for compensating for weak production capacity in Germany [4] - Bosch is also increasing its R&D efforts in China while reducing jobs in Germany, indicating a shift in focus towards the Chinese market [5] Group 3: Investment Trends and Challenges - Over the past five years, Germany's average annual investment in China has reached €5.2 billion, significantly higher than the €3.3 billion average from 2015 to 2019 [5] - The high costs associated with finding alternative sources for materials like rare earths and chips pose a challenge for companies, as these alternatives are often more expensive than sourcing from China [5] - The automotive industry is actively pursuing risk mitigation measures, but these efforts require political support to be effective [5][6] Group 4: Political Context and Future Outlook - The German government, under Chancellor Merz, is considering a reassessment of trade policies with China, focusing on energy, raw materials, and investments in critical infrastructure [8] - The recent visit of Germany's Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister to China aims to foster open dialogue and cooperation on macroeconomic conditions and multilateral collaboration [9]
德国商界无视默茨政府“警示”：中国提供的利润太诱人，撤不走