Foreign trade
Fewer goods “Made in Germany” were delivered abroad
Germany’s export economy is struggling. After a ray of hope in August, the latest figures are worse again. There are a number of reasons for this.
Setback for Germany’s exporters: After an interim high in August, companies delivered fewer goods abroad again in September. According to preliminary figures from the Federal Statistical Office, exports with a total value of 128.2 billion euros were 1.7 percent below the level of August 2024. There was also a decrease compared to September 2023 – of 0.2 percent.
Growing competition for “Made in Germany” on the world markets, for example from China, as well as structural problems in German industry such as energy prices, which are high compared to international standards, have been causing problems for Germany as an export nation for some time. According to the Wiesbaden authorities, from January to September of the current year, exports were 1,175.5 billion euros, 1.0 percent below the value for the same period last year after calendar and season adjustment.
Meanwhile, imports increased to 111.3 billion euros in September – this is an increase both compared to the previous month (plus 2.1 percent) and to the same month last year (plus 1.3 percent). In the nine-month period from January to September, imports to Germany totaled 988.6 billion euros, which was 4.2 percent less than a year ago.
Federal Statistical Office on Foreign Trade
dpa
Source: Stern
