Germany's trade surplus widened slightly in April as a decline in imports outpaced a fall in exports, preliminary official data showed today.
The trade surplus with the rest of the world grew to €13.1 billion in April from €13 billion in March, the Federal Statistics Office said. A reading of €14 billion had been forecast.
Adjusted for seasonal swings, German imports fell 7.3 per cent to €61.2 billion while exports dropped more than expected by 5.9 per cent on the month to €74.3 billion.
Exports from Europe's biggest economy had been expected to fall by 2.6 per cent and imports to slide by 3.3 per cent.
In the previous month, exports had posted their biggest monthly increase in nearly 18 years, smashing expectations.
Reuters