Germany: Merchandise exports grow at a slower pace in September
Merchandise exports rose 2.3% month-on-month in September on a calendar- and seasonally-adjusted basis, down from August’s 2.9% uptick. Imports, meanwhile, dipped 0.1%, swinging from the prior month’s 5.8% rise. As a consequence, the calendar- and seasonally-adjusted trade surplus rose to EUR 17.8 billion in September from EUR 15.7 billion in August.
On an annual basis, merchandise exports ticked down 3.8% in September, on the heels of August’s 10.2% dive. Furthermore, imports dropped 4.3% year-on-year in September, following August’s 6.8% fall. Lastly, the trend pointed down, with the 12-month trailing merchandise trade balance edging down to a EUR 186 billion surplus in September from EUR 187 billion in the prior month.
Anton F. Börner, President of the Federal Association of Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services, commented:
“The measures in connection with the increasing number of infections will still have an impact on foreign trade. For its recovery it is crucial that the borders for goods and especially people remain open. The past few months have shown that the virus does not stop at borders. Our companies depend on their employees being able to continue to see their customers. Functioning logistics are essential for maintaining the supply chains. This must not be jeopardized again.”
Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING, added:
“With US president-elect Biden, the threat of US tariffs on European (read German) automotives should disappear. Even better, a possible revival of the transatlantic relationship and a possible investment package into sustainability and the fight against climate change could eventually also benefit German producers. However, at the same time, it is hard to see president-elect Joe Biden suddenly cheering the large German trade surplus with the US.”