Bavaria’s export position in the EU

Foreign trade is crucial to Bavaria’s economic success. For decades, more than half of all revenue has been generated abroad. In some sectors of the Bavarian economy the export quota is even higher. In light of geopolitical conflict and trade wars, the European Union is an important and stabilizing trade partner for Bavaria.

More than half of all Bavarian exports go to EU member states

Most goods exported from Bavaria are destined for other EU member states. The EU’s significance for Bavaria’s exports has grown since 2015. While total Bavarian exports grew by 27 percent between 2015 and 2025, exports to EU partner countries increased by 46 percent, offsetting the below-average growth of exports to the U.S. and the decreasing exports to China and the United Kingdom. Within Europe about 40 percent of Bavarian goods are destined for France, Italy and Austria. France and Italy offer a large market and are close-by. Austria borders Bavaria plus there are strong linguistic and cultural links. The three countries have been top destinations for Bavarian exports for years. Recently, Poland has become a key export destination and driver for the growing Bavarian export economy. Nearly one-fifth of Bavaria’s total export growth to the EU over the past ten years can be attributed to Poland.

Bavaria’s key industries supply the EU market

Bavarian exports to other EU member states barely differ from Bavarian exports to the rest of the world. The automotive sector and its suppliers account for about a fifth of exports, closely followed by mechanical engineering and electrical equipment. In recent years exports from the two largest sectors recorded below-average growth rates. By contrast, exports of electrical equipment and foodstuffs increased sharply. In the EU market Bavarian exports compete primarily with products of other EU member states. In some instances, Chinese and US exports are relevant competitors.