Data published by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) showed that industrial production declined by 0.1% in April after falling by 0.4% in March. This was the second consecutive monthly decline. Economists had expected a 0.3% increase. In annual terms, industrial production fell by 3.9%, slowing compared to March (-4.3%).
Separate data showed that in April, the trade surplus (seasonally adjusted) decreased to 22.1 billion euros from 22.3 billion euros in March. Economists had expected an increase to 22.6 billion euros. Exports increased by 1.6% compared to March and by 1.9% per annum, to 136.5 billion euros, while imports increased by 2% over the month and fell by 0.6% per annum, to 114.5 billion euros. In April, goods worth 74.1 billion euros were exported to the member states of the European Union (EU), and goods worth 61.3 billion euros were imported from there. Compared to March, exports to EU countries increased by 1.2%, while imports from these countries increased by 4.3%. In April, goods worth 62.4 billion euros were exported to countries outside the EU (third countries), and goods worth 53.2 billion euros were imported from these countries. Compared to March, exports to third countries increased by 2.0%, while imports from there decreased by 0.4%.