Germany’s trade surplus narrows
Germany’s trade surplus narrowed in January, as an increase in exports from Europe’s largest economy was more than offset by a rise in imports.
The Federal Statistical Office reported today that exports rose 2.2% in January from the previous month to €94.5bn. The figures were adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects.
Meanwhile, imports rose 4.1% to €77.3bn.
As a result, the surplus fell to €17.2bn from €18.3bn in December.
Germany has been criticised for relying too much on exports and has not been importing enough to boost economies in Europe.
The statistics office says that, compared with January 2013, exports to other nations using the euro currency rose 3.2% in January, while imports from those countries rose 4%.
