Germany trade surplus widens

Germany's trade surplus widened more than expected in February as exports rose 5.1 per cent on the month, boosting hopes the economy is back on a stable footing, official data showed today.

Adjusted for seasonal swings, German exports rose to €71.3 billion, while imports unexpectedly also gained, up 0.2 per cent to €59.2 billion, the Federal Statistics Office said.

This yielded a trade surplus with the rest of the world of €12.1 billion in February, up from €8.7 billion in January. A reading of €11.2 billion had been forecast.

Exports from Europe's biggest economy had been expected to rise by 4.4 per cent and imports to fall by 1 per cent in February.

Reuters