In 2015 the BRIC states will have more clout in the global economy than the EU countries. Already in 2002 to 2008 Brazil, Russia, India and above all China were the engine of the world economy. Except for 2004 and 2005 their import growth rate was higher than that of the US with China playing the dominant role. Germany’s industry profits from the pull of the BRIC countries – in particular the electrical and chemical industries with their strong export position. The success of these branches in the BRIC export markets varies substantially, however, not the least because of the heavy global competition.