| The consumer who doesn't follow global trade trends | | | | Chemical manufacturing: Germany is home to BASF, |
| is apt to believe the majority of imports to the United | | | | perhaps the largest chemical company in the world. |
| States come from Asia. While it is true that the Four | | | | BASF is a leader in production of plastics and |
| Asian Tigers monopolize a good percentage of world | | | | polyurethanes used for making everyday household |
| supply chains to North America and beyond, a good | | | | objects. Sustainable and biodegradable coatings and |
| number of everyday products and foodstuffs that we | | | | performance chemicals designed to increase |
| enjoy have origins in Europe. If you wear Adidas | | | | eco-friendly awareness are also in development. |
| shoes, for example, or brew your morning coffee with | | | | Pharmaceutical: Ever take an aspirin for a headache? |
| a Braun espresso maker and enjoy the occasional | | | | That's a product with German roots as well. This over |
| Ritter Sport chocolate bar, you are strengthening | | | | the counter drug originated with the Barmen-based |
| Germany's export business. | | | | Bayer AG, a leading pharmaceutical company. |
| If you've kept up on your world history, you are aware | | | | Subgroups of the corporation are responsible for the |
| of the country's tumultuous history over the last | | | | production of other medicines and hospital equipment. |
| century. Its borders have changed over time-the land | | | | Industrial machinery: Engines that power machines and |
| was part of the Holy Roman Empire until the early | | | | vehicles, generators and pumps, and equipment |
| nineteenth century, then split into eastern and western | | | | designed specifically for mass transit are popular |
| regions after World War II before reunification in 1990. | | | | export products. The nation's expertise in production of |
| These days, the Republic of Germany has settled into | | | | civilian aircraft is evident in their major airline, Lufthansa, |
| the role of a true economic force: as the fourth largest | | | | which is also the largest in Europe. |
| gross domestic product economy in the world, it ranks | | | | Other Top Brands of Deutschland |
| in the top three among nations in importing and | | | | What else are you apt to find in your closet, pantry, or |
| exporting, and is considered an innovative source of | | | | purse that's made in Germany? |
| new technologies in several industries. Nearly fifteen | | | | - Birkenstock: durable sandals and shoes known for |
| percent of the Fortune Global 500 companies have | | | | their cork soles |
| headquarters here. | | | | - Steinway and Sons: well-known maker of pianos and |
| Made in Germany: Top Exports and Products | | | | musical keyboards |
| Hear the phrase "good German engineering," and | | | | - T-Mobile: popular wireless phone provider |
| you're likely to think of cars. Manufacturers like | | | | - Faber-Castell: top manufacturer of office supplies, |
| Mercedes Benz, BMW, Porsche and Volkswagen | | | | pens and pencils |
| supply quality automobiles and sport utility vehicles to | | | | - Nivea: producer of skin care and beauty products |
| the United States and throughout Europe, in addition to | | | | This fertile land that hearkens to imagery of |
| accessories and car parts that may be found in other | | | | Oktoberfest and emotional Beethoven sonatas |
| makes and models. While the automotive industry | | | | operates as a major player in global trade. With an |
| benefits from German experience, it is not the industry | | | | overall high quality of life supported by a strong social |
| in which this country excels. You'll find strong German | | | | security system and plentiful employment opportunities, |
| engineering at work in the following sectors as well: | | | | Germany is likely to remain strong for centuries. |