The economy German exports off to a weak start to the year
Germany's exporters are still waiting for an upturn: the export balance for January is down compared to both December and the same month last year.
10.03.2025, 08:52
SDA
Goods "Made in Germany" with a total value of 129.2 billion euros were delivered abroad in the first month of the new year. According to the Federal Statistical Office, this was 2.5% less than in December and 0.1% less than a year earlier.
Despite growth in December, Germany's exporters closed the full year 2024 with a minus. According to the latest figures from the Wiesbaden-based statisticians, Germany exported goods with a total value of 1,556 billion euros last year, 1.2% less than in the previous year.
Growing trade conflicts
China's aggressive industrial policy is affecting the export industry, as are increasing trade conflicts with the USA. Only a few sectors expect foreign sales to increase in the coming months, according to the latest survey on export expectations by the ifo Institute. "The export industry lacks dynamism and a spirit of optimism," summarized Klaus Wohlrabe, Head of Ifo Surveys. "Domestic companies are still waiting for an increase in demand from abroad."
Meanwhile, imports to Germany rose to 113.1 billion euros in January, according to preliminary figures from the Federal Statistical Office. This is an increase compared to both the previous month (plus 1.2 percent) and the same month last year (plus 8.7 percent).
