Diplomatic relations between Germany and Tuvalu were established on 26 June 1979. The German Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand, is responsible for Tuvalu.

In November 2017, Tuvalu’s then Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga led a delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 23) in Bonn, where he also hosted a workshop.

Bilateral trade between Germany and Tuvalu is modest. According to Federal Statistical Office figures, Germany exported goods worth 104,000 euro to Tuvalu in 2022 and imports amounted to 1,949.000 euro (DESTATIS).

Maritime shipping is a very important sector for Tuvalu. German shipping companies run a recruitment office in Funafuti.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH also carries out various projects in the Pacific countries from which Tuvalu benefits. The regional project Coping with Climate Change in the Pacific Island Region strengthened capacities for adapting to climate change in the region by providing advisory services between 2009 and 2021. Furthermore, Germany supports development in Tuvalu via its contributions to the “Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument” of the European Union (NDICI). German development cooperation with Tuvalu takes the form of microprojects.

Tuvalu is a member of the Group of Friends on Climate and Security in the United Nations.