Germany news: Exports jump higher than expected

"German exports have risen slightly despite ongoing global tensions linked to the Iran war, despite a drop in shipments to the United States. The Federal Statistical Office said exports for March increased 0.5% month on month and 1.9% year on year in adjusted terms. Imports have jumped more sharply, rising 5.1% from February and 7.2% compared with a year earlier. Germany recorded exports worth 135.8 billion against imports of 121.5 billion, leaving a trade surplus of 14.3 billion, down from 19.6 billion in February."

"The US remained Germany's most important export market, though shipments there have dropped significantly. Exports to the US totaled 11.2 billion, down 7.9% from the previous month and 21.4% compared with March 2025. Exports to China also declined by 1.8%. Demand has shifted toward the EU, where exports rose 3.4%, and the UK, up 3.2%."

"The Iran war has fueled uncertainty across Germany's export-driven economy, with higher oil prices increasing transport costs. That has weighed on expectations for a stronger recovery. The government has cut its growth forecast for the year by half to 0.5%. Trade tensions have also resurfaced, with Donald Trump threatening new tariffs, raising the risk of a renewed EU-US trade dispute."

"Germany's exporters had rebounded earlier in the year, with strong gains in February and a recovery in 2025 driven by a robust December. However, the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce now expects exports to stagnate in 2026 instead of growing by 1.0% as previously forecast."

German exports increased 0.5% month on month and 1.9% year on year in adjusted terms in March. Imports rose 5.1% from February and 7.2% versus a year earlier. Exports totaled 135.8 billion euros and imports totaled 121.5 billion euros, producing a trade surplus of 14.3 billion euros, down from 19.6 billion euros in February. The United States remained the largest export market, but shipments fell to 11.2 billion euros, down 7.9% from the previous month and 21.4% versus March 2025. Exports to China declined by 1.8%. Exports to the EU rose 3.4% and to the UK rose 3.2%. Higher oil prices linked to the Iran war increased transport costs and weakened recovery expectations, while tariff threats raised trade-dispute risks.

Read at www.dw.com