Germany Posts 19.5B Euro Trade Surplus in August as Exports Fall for Second Straight Month

Germany's trade balance narrowed to a seasonally adjusted surplus of 19.5 billion euros in August, beating the 19 billion euro forecast but falling short of the 21.3 billion euro surplus recorded in July. The result reflects continued softness in external demand alongside a modest recovery in imports.

Exports declined 0.8% month-on-month in August, matching July's 0.8% drop and badly missing the 0.8% to 0.9% consensus estimate, pointing to persistent weakness in German foreign sales. Imports rose 0.9% on the month, a rebound from the sharp 5.7% plunge in July, though that gain also came in well below the 2.8% forecast.