BERLIN, March 9 (Reuters) – German exports unexpectedly rose in January, buoyed by robust trade with China in a positive start to the year for manufacturers in Europe’s largest economy.
Seasonally adjusted exports increased 1.4% on the month after an upwardly revised increase of 0.4% in December, the Federal Statistics Office said on Tuesday. Imports fell 4.7% after showing no change in the prior month, an upward revision.
A Reuters poll had pointed to a 1.2% drop in exports and a 0.5% fall in imports. January’s 1.4% increase in exports far surpassed even the most optimistic forecast.
The trade surplus grew to 22.2 billion euros. On the year, exports to China rose by 3.1%. (Reporting by Paul Carrel, editing by Thomas Escritt)
Read More: German exports rise in January on brisk China trade
