Germany expands international raw materials partnerships
Germany wants to reduce its dependency on any single raw materials suppliers. To this end, the Federal Government aims to strengthen its partnership with countries such as Australia, Brazil and South Africa.
Berlin (d.de) – The German economy continues to grow more strongly than expected. In its Annual Report that was presented on Wednesday, the German Council of Economic Experts predicts gross domestic product to grow by 1.3 percent in 2026 and by 1.0 percent in 2027. At the same time, the experts are warning of growing funding gaps in the federal budget, and are calling for reforms of the social insurance system and a reduction of subsidies. Aiming to further strengthen German industry’s competitiveness, the Federal Government has meanwhile been relying on a new approach to foreign policy in matters related to raw materials. Planning provides for existing partnerships with Australia, Brazil, Chile, Canada and South Africa to be expanded and for new sources of supply to be developed.
New contact points for German businesses
Central points of contact are to be set up abroad to offer German companies guidance in raw materials projects and to arrange business contacts. In addition to this, the Federal Government plans to facilitate the conclusion of long-term supply agreements and joint financing. The partner countries are also going to receive support for establishing their own value chains.
In a volatile global situation such as this, in which raw materials and sea routes are used as a form of pressure, we must not be dependent on any single supplier.
Wadephul warns of one-sided dependencies
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stressed the role that raw materials supply plays in terms of security policy saying that, “In a volatile global situation such as this, in which raw materials and sea routes are used as a form of pressure, we must not be dependent on any single supplier.” The joint strategy that was developed by the Federal Foreign Office, the Ministry for Economic Affairs and the Development Ministry is designed to improve supply reliability and to reinforce cooperation with international partners.
