Overview
- Preliminary Destatis data show October exports up just 0.1% to €131.3 billion, defying forecasts for a decline.
- Shipments to the United States fell nearly 8% in October, with tariffs cited as a key drag on Germany’s top export market.
- Exports to China dropped almost 6% as demand weakened and local competitors squeezed German firms.
- Sales to EU partners rose about 3%, helping offset external weakness but not restoring overall momentum.
- Imports declined 1.2% to €114.5 billion, the trade surplus widened to €16.9 billion, and China recently reclaimed the top trading-partner spot as Germany reorients flows.