Germany Remains a Key Business Partner for Slovenia, Despite Shifting Dynamics

Since Slovenia’s independence in 1991, Germany has consistently been its primary trade and business partner, particularly in the automotive sector. In 2022, Slovenian exports to Germany reached €7.6 billion, marking a growth of over 10% compared to 2021. Notably, while the absolute value of exports has nearly tripled since 2000, Germany’s share in Slovenia’s overall exports has declined from 27% to 13%, reflecting the diversification of Slovenian international trade.

Despite this gradual relative decline, significant opportunities for collaboration persist. Germany remains the second-largest foreign investor in Slovenia, with total investments amounting to €2.6 billion. A standout example is BSH, part of the Bosch Siemens Hausgeräte Group, which has developed its Slovenian subsidiary into a major R&D and production hub for small home appliances.

There is potential for additional German investments, especially in emerging sectors. Recent bilateral business forums, such as the “Slovenian-German Hydrogen Day” organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia and the renewable energy storage conference hosted by the German Chamber of Commerce in Slovenia, underscore mutual interests in sustainable energy technologies — opening new avenues for strategic cooperation.