The Germans export declined unexpectedly for a second month, as the value of shipments to the USA It has fallen to its lowest level in the last four years, amid President Donald Trump’s campaign to impose duties.
Total exports decreased by 0.5% in August compared to the previous month, according to the Statistical Service. This is compared to the 0.2% increase provided by Bloomberg’s survey. Shipments to the US retreated for fifth month.
Total imports decreased by 1.3%, with the trade surplus reaching € 17.2 billion ($ 20 billion) from the revised € 16.3 billion in July.
Today’s (9.10.2025) figures come after two negative reports on the manufacturing sector earlier this week, suggesting that the production of the third quarter may also reduce and lead Germany to recession.
Europe’s largest economy is particularly vulnerable to US duties. It has already undergone two years of annual shrinkage and the government predicts that it will only grow by 0.2% this year.