German Imports Rise in January

German imports rebounded strongly in January, suggesting that domestic demand in the country may be set to recover after an autumn downturn.

Imports rose by a seasonally adjusted 3.3% from the month before, helping to shrink Germany’s trade surplus.

Exports also rose, by 1.4%, driven by robust demand in the US and China.

Germany’s economy shrank 0.6% in the last three months of 2012, thanks to recession in its main eurozone export markets and tepid domestic confidence.

However, the Ifo survey of business confidence has pointed to a strong rebound in expectations for growth since the beginning of the year, although the January trade data is the first solid indication that economic activity in Germany is picking up again.

Other data for manufacturing orders and industrial output released last week suggested that the German economy remained stagnant in the New Year.

via BBC

This article is for general information purposes only. It is not investment advice or a solution to buy or sell securities. Opinions are the authors; not necessarily that of OANDA Corporation or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. Leveraged trading is high risk and not suitable for all. You could lose all of your deposited funds.