Germany experienced a decline in exports for the first time in three months during September, while imports showed a recovery from the previous month's dip, according to data released by Destatis on Thursday.
In September, exports decreased by 1.7 percent compared to the previous month, counteracting a 1.2 percent increase recorded in August. The forecast had anticipated a 1.4 percent growth in shipments.
Conversely, imports rose by 2.1 percent after experiencing a 2.6 percent decline in August, while economists had predicted a 0.4 percent decrease.
Consequently, the trade surplus narrowed to an adjusted EUR 17.0 billion from EUR 21.4 billion in August. During the same period last year, the surplus stood at EUR 18.6 billion.
Annually, exports fell by 0.3 percent, whereas imports increased by 1.3 percent. The unadjusted trade surplus amounted to EUR 18.5 billion, down from EUR 20.3 billion in the previous year.
