Highlights
Having surprised with an especially large surplus in November, the black ink on merchandise trade narrowed but by less than expected at the end of last year. At E16.7B, net exports were down just E0.3B from a slightly smaller revised November level.

Both sides of the balance sheet expanded in December. Hence, exports rose 3.0 percent on the month while imports were up an even stronger 4.5 percent. Even so, over the year as a whole, both components shrank markedly with exports down 18.4 percent and imports off 17.2 percent.

Looking ahead, stronger overseas demand has boosted sentiment amongst exporters and, if sustained, the recent slide in the value of the Euro will provide a useful fillip to competitiveness.

Given the importance of the foreign trade, a strong performance by the export community is vital to the health of the German economy as a whole. However, to achieve a better balance to growth this year policymakers will still want to see a more resilient household sector.

2010 Release Schedule

Released On: 1/8 2/9 3/10 4/9 5/10 6/8 7/8 8/9 9/8 10/8 11/8 Released For: Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep