German Exports Increase in February; Industrial Output Drops
By Maria Martinez
(Reuters) -German exports rose more than expected in February as U.S. demand increased in anticipation of tariffs by the Trump administration, but industrial production fell, showing the struggle of the manufacturing sector in Europe's biggest economy.
Exports rose by 1.8% in February compared with the previous month, data from the federal statistics office showed on Monday.
The result compared with a forecast 1.5% increase in a Reuters poll.
Imports rose by 0.7% on a calendar and seasonally adjusted basis compared with January.
The trade balance showed a surplus of 17.7 billion euros in February, up from 16.2 billion euros in January, but below the 22.6 billion euros surplus recorded in February of 2024.
Exports to EU countries rose by 0.5% on the month, while exports to third countries rose by 3.2%.
Most German exports went to the United States, up 8.5% compared with January, as demand increased in anticipation of the tariffs.
The far-reaching tariffs announced by the U.S. will deal a major blow to German industry. The U.S. was Germany's biggest trading partner in 2024, according to the statistics office, with 253 billion euros ($270 billion) worth of goods exchanged between them.
German industrial production fell more than expected in February by 1.3% compared to the previous month, the federal statistics office said on Monday.
Analysts polled by Reuters had predicted a 0.8% decline.
Compared with February 2024, production was 4.0% lower in February 2025 after adjustment for calendar effects.
German industrial orders stagnated in February, data showed on Friday, showing that demand remains weak.
($1 = 0.9083 euros)
(Reporting by Tristan Veyet in Gdansk and Maria Martinez in Berlin; Editing by Ludwig Burger and Toby Chopra)
