Business · Trade · 2 days ago
German exports fell again in August as imports rose
Germany’s exports fell for a second month in August, while imports increased.
The figures cover goods traded by Germany and were adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects.
Exports were worth €137.6 billion, and imports €118.1 billion.
The gap between the two, known as the trade surplus, narrowed to €19.5 billion from €21.6 billion in July.
Trade with China shows a longer-term imbalance: in the first eight months of the year, German exports there fell 12.9%, while imports from China rose 10.1%.
The United States remained Germany’s largest single export market, although shipments there fell 6.3% from July.
A trade group forecast that German exports will rise 1% this year, but warned that business with the United States and China remains difficult.
German exports fell 0.8% in August from July, while imports rose 0.9%, according to preliminary figures.
Exports were worth €137.6 billion and imports €118.1 billion, leaving a trade surplus of €19.5 billion.
The surplus was down from a revised €21.6 billion in July.
Exports to China rose in August, but over the first eight months of the year they fell 12.9% as imports from China increased 10.1%.
The BGA forecast that German exports would grow 1.0% for the year, while warning of difficult business conditions in the United States and China.
- Who
- Germany’s foreign trade, with figures reported by the Federal Statistical Office.
- What
- Exports fell and imports increased in August, narrowing Germany’s trade surplus.
- When
- August 2026, compared with July 2026.
- Where
- Germany, including trade with China, the United States, the European Union and other countries.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The current decline shows that the export recovery was only a light breeze.
Europe must be able to defend itself against proven competitive distortions.
German exports fell 0.5% from the previous month.
Exports fell 0.8% from July, imports rose 0.9%, and the trade surplus was €19.5 billion.
The BGA slightly raised its forecast for German export growth for the year.
- Exports
- €137.6 billion in August, down 0.8% from July
- Imports
- €118.1 billion in August, up 0.9% from July
- Trade surplus
- €19.5 billion in August, compared with a revised €21.6 billion in July
- China trade
- Exports fell 12.9% and imports rose 10.1% in the first eight months of the year
- BGA export forecast
- 1.0% growth to €1,580 billion for the year
Sources
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