Abstract
Exports, traditionally a strong engine of growth for the German economy, have started to stutter. This article demonstrates that export performance on German sales markets continued to decline even after 2015. It also analyses the target countries and product groups where particular export weaknesses can be identified and the possible causes. Overall, it becomes clear that there are losses precisely where there were previously strengths. There is also evidence of protectionism and the effects of geopolitical conflicts. But above all, the erosion of German competitiveness seems to be playing a role, which emphasises the urgency for economic policy reforms.