Commerce Between Michigan and Germany

Commerce between Michigan and Germany is substantial. In fact, among the American states, Michigan's relationship with Germany, the biggest economy in Europe, may be the most significant.

Besides having a large volume of export and import trade with Germany, Michigan ranks first nationwide in the amount of capital stock investment from German companies. According to Crain's Detroit Business five of the ten largest foreign-owned businesses in southeast Michigan are owned by German companies including the Robert Bosch Corp, Continental Automotive N.A and ThyssenKrupp USA.

It is estimated that Michigan is home to approximately 350 German-owned companies. According to the German Industry and Trade Representative at the German Embassy in Washington these firms employ more people in Michigan than companies from any other country (aproximately 78,000). Michigan has more people working for German-owned companies than any other state.

Across the Atlantic, more than 75 Michigan-based companies have operations in Germany. The American Chamber of Commerce in Germany has reported that Michigan companies account for four of the largest U.S.owned companies in Germany, including the two largest.