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☆ German exports to China decline in January despite lifting of lockdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Exports to China fell by 7.1% in January compared with the same month last year, to 7.4 billion euros ($7.90 billion). By comparison, exports to the United States grew by 20.8% to 12 billion euros, with the world's largest economy retaining its place as the most important customer for goods made in Germany. While goods worth around 298 billion euros were traded between the two countries last year, exports of German goods to China increased by only 3.1%, to around 107 billion euros. Germany, on the other hand, imported goods worth 191 billion euros from China, a third more than in 2021. Overall, Germany had a trade deficit with China of around 84 billion euros in 2022, a situation that German Finance Minister Christian Lindner called a "dangerous development".

☆ China remains Germany's main trading partner for seventh year
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BERLIN, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Trade between Germany and China rose to a record level last year, making the Asian country Germany's most important trading partner for the seventh year in a row despite political warnings in Berlin about excessive dependence. In 2022, Germany imported goods worth 191 billion euros from China, a third more than in 2021. Exports of German goods to China increased by only 3.1% to around 107 billion euros. Overall, Germany had a trade deficit with China of around 84 billion euros. The United States is much more important for German exporters than China, Zenglein said.

☆ U.S. remains biggest destination for German exports for eighth year in a row
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BERLIN, Feb 1 (Reuters) - The United States remained the most important destination for German exports in 2022 for the eighth consecutive year. Exports of goods reached a record 156 billion euros ($169.31 billion) last year, according to Reuters calculations based on preliminary data from the German statistics office. German exports to the United States in 2022 were well above the previous record of 122 billion euros in 2021. German companies mainly supplied machinery, motor vehicles and automotive parts to the United States. Both the IfW and the DIHK assume that the United States will remain the most important customer for German goods for the foreseeable future.

☆ German economy unexpectedly shrinks in Q4
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BERLIN, Jan 30 (Reuters) - The German economy unexpectedly fell in the fourth quarter, data showed on Monday, a sign that Europe's largest economy may be entering a much-predicted recession as an effect of the Ukraine war. Gross domestic product decreased 0.2% quarter on quarter in adjusted terms, the federal statistics office said. A Reuters poll of analysts had forecast the economy would stagnate. In the previous quarter, the German economy grew slightly by an upwardly revised 0.5% quarter on quarter. The German government last week revised up its economic forecast for 2023 and now foresees GDP growing by 0.2%, up from an autumn forecast of a 0.4% decline.

"They fire, we hire," said Rainer Zugehoer, Chief People Officer at Cariad, the software subsidiary of automaker Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE). Spooked by inflation and the prospect of recession, Google parent Alphabet (GOOGL.O), Microsoft (MSFT.O) and Facebook owner Meta (META.O) have announced a combined almost 40,000 job cuts. Germany, with one of the world's oldest populations, has gaping holes in its labour force: according to IT industry group Bitkom, 137,000 IT jobs are unfilled. Gerlach added, adding Munich's famed beer festival to the strong labour protections that might prove attractive to the newly jobless. "Bureaucracy in Germany is utterly crippling for most highly-qualified workers when they first encounter it, especially if they don't speak German," said Diana Stoleru of Berlin startup Lendis.

☆ German business morale brightens further in January - Ifo
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach/File PhotoBERLIN, Jan 25 (Reuters) - German business morale brightened in January as Europe's largest economy started the new year with easing inflation and an improved outlook, a survey said on Wednesday. The Ifo institute said its business climate index rose to 90.2, in line with consensus according to a Reuters poll of analysts and up from a reading of 88.6 in December. "The German economy is starting the new year with more confidence," Ifo's president Clemens Fuest said. The increase is driven by considerably less pessimistic expectations, while companies were, however, somewhat less satisfied with their current situation, Ifo said. "The Ifo business climate has recovered significantly for the third time in a row as the easing on the gas market further diminished companies' fears of a severe recession," Commerzbank's chief economist Joerg Kraemer said.

☆ German exports to Russia plunge to lowest in two decades
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

German exports to Russia slumped by 45% year-on-year to 14.6 billion euros ($15.9 billion) in 2022, according to preliminary data from the German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations. Imports from Russia, however, grew by 11% to about 37 billion euros due to high oil and gas prices, the group said in its report. Germany's trade deficit with Russia climbed to a record level of around 22 billion euros as a result, the group's executive director Michael Harms said. The plunge in exports to Russia was most visible in motor vehicles and automotive parts, as well as electrical engineering products, Harms added, while pharmaceutical products and agricultural machinery, sectors which have been excluded from European Union sanctions, remained the top exports. "The outlook for export business with Russia remains bleak," Harms said, adding that goods exports to Russia were likely to settle at a low level in 2023.

☆ German industrial orders fall more than expected in November
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BERLIN, Jan 6 (Reuters) - German industrial orders saw their sharpest drop in more than a year in November on falling foreign demand, decreasing by 5.3% on the month on a seasonally and calendar adjusted basis, the federal statistics office said on Friday. A Reuters poll of analysts had pointed to a 0.5% fall, after a downwardly revised rise of 0.6% in October. Orders from eurozone countries slumped by 10.3% on the month, while those from outside the eurozone fell by 6.8%. "This shows how strongly the high energy prices are weighing on the eurozone," said VP Bank chief economist Thomas Gitzel. The statistics office publishes a statement with more economic data.

☆ German inflation slows in December on one-off energy payment
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-03 | by ( Miranda Murray | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

A one-off payment for household energy bills in December, part of government efforts to shield consumers, had a downward effect on prices, according to the statistics office. Energy prices eased somewhat in December but were still up 24.4% compared with the same period last year, while food prices had increased by 20.7%, according to the office. Germany's full-year harmonized inflation rate jumped to 8.7% in 2022 from 3.2% a year earlier, said the statistics office. "Core inflation remains the number one inflation scourge for the time being," he added, referring to a measure that excludes volatile food and energy costs. Commerzbank chief economist Joerg Kraemer also warned that core inflation had risen further and said the European Central Bank's "hesitant approach" means high inflation will stick around, despite energy relief measures.

☆ High inflation here to stay for coming months, says German industry
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Inflation, which slowed slightly to 11.3% in November from a high of 11.6% the month prior, is no longer driven primarily by energy costs but by a host of factors, BDI President Siegfried Russwurm said in a survey of several industry associations. The ECB has raised interest rates by a combined 2.5 percentage points since July - its fastest pace of monetary tightening on record - to counter inflation. Russwurm said more measures would be decided on by the ECB, which the BDI expects to dampen investment activity. The heads of the ZDH German association for skilled trade and the DIHK chambers of industry and commerce also do not see inflation cooling off in the near term. "A noticeable slowdown in price increases is probably not to be expected until summer 2023," said ZDH Secretary General Holger Schwannecke.

☆ German exporters prepare for a challenging 2023
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The United States and China are Germany's most important trading partners. "We have a stronger euro again because of the ECB interest rate increases. He added that higher interest rates were already having an impact in the United States where they have risen further, especially on the construction industry. To tame soaring inflation, the European Central Bank and the U.S. Federal Reserve have raised interest rates at the fastest pace in decades and both are expected to do more next year. German exporters had not been able to fully process all orders in recent months due to supply shortages, Jandura said.

☆ German companies plan to invest more in Africa in 2023
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-27 | by ( Rene Wagner | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The poll of members of the German-African Business Association also showed that a further 39% of Association's members aim to keep their spending levels in Africa stable. "The majority of companies want to expand their activities in the coming year," Association head Christoph Kannegiesser told Reuters. German companies invested about 1.6 billion euros in Africa in 2021, of which about 1.1 billion euros went to the sub-Sahara region, according to economy ministry data. Namibia could also profit massively from green hydrogen production, said Kannegiesser. The survey showed that 56% of the companies viewed their business activities in Africa in 2022 positively and a further 7% rated them "very good".

☆ German businesses expect only mild recession as disruptions ease
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

There have been growing signs that the German economy could stave off the worst of an economic downturn triggered by a plunge in energy supply from Russia after the Ukraine invasion. Inflation slowed slightly to 11.3% in November from a high of 11.6% the month prior as energy prices eased. The Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) said there were many indications that supply chain disruptions were gradually easing. However, the DIHK warned that soaring energy prices and easing consumer sentiment were still clouding the outlook for 2023. The ZDH association of craftsmen echoed the DIHK, saying noticeably fewer orders were coming in for next year.

☆ Germany's half-a-trillion dollar energy bazooka may not be enough
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Christoph Steitz | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +8 min

Almost half a trillion dollars, and counting, since the Ukraine war jolted it into an energy crisis nine months ago. The money set aside stands at up to 440 billion euros ($465 billion), according to the calculations, which provide the first combined tally of all of Germany's drives aimed at avoiding running out of power and securing new sources of energy. That equates to about 1.5 billion euros a day since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. Energy rationing is a risk in the event of a long cold spell this winter, Germany's first in half a century without Russian gas. There's no security in sight either, with the push to build up of two alternatives to Russian fuel - liquefied natural gas (LNG) and renewables - years away from targeted levels.

☆ German recession will be milder than expected: Ifo
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

BERLIN, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Germany's recession will be milder than expected, with the economy expected to contract by 0.1% in 2023 compared to a previous forecast of shrinking by 0.3%, the Ifo economic institute said on Wednesday. The economy is expected to grow by 1.8% in 2022 compared to a previous forecast of 1.6%. Inflation is seen at 7.8% this year, 6.4% next year and 2.8% in 2024, Ifo said in a statement. Economic growth is expected to bounce back to 1.6% in 2024. Reporting by Rene Wagner; writing by Matthias Williams Editing by Paul CarrelOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ German exports fall as demand cools in Europe, U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SummarySummary Companies Exports down 0.6% m/m, twice as much as forecastImports post strongest m/m fall since JanuaryBERLIN, Dec 2 (Reuters) - German exports fell more than forecast in October, official data showed on Friday, as high inflation and supply chain snags hit demand in key trading partners, further raising the spectre of recession for Europe's largest economy. Exports declined by 0.6% on the month, twice as much as analysts predicted in a Reuters poll, the data from the Federal Statistics Office showed. Germany's top export partner, the United States, saw the sharpest fall in German exports at 3.9%, while exports to other European Union member states were down 2.4%. The German chambers of commerce and industry (DIHK) said last month Germany's exports were likely to fall 2% next year due to a sluggish global economy, with nearly half of German companies that sell abroad expecting an economic downturn. Also last month, German industrial group Thyssenkrupp (TKAG.DE) warned its sales and profit would "nosedive" next year as high inflation and energy costs are compounded by expected recession in Europe.

☆ German exports fall more than expected as demand cools in Europe, U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"The German export engine is noticeably juddering," said German chambers of commerce and industry (DIHK) trade chief Volker Trier. "High inflation rates and a tight monetary policy in important sales markets are dampening international demand." DIHK said last month Germany's exports were likely to fall 2% next year due to a sluggish global economy, with nearly half of German companies that sell abroad expecting an economic downturn. Also last month, German industrial group Thyssenkrupp (TKAG.DE) warned its sales and profit would "nosedive" next year as high inflation and energy costs are compounded by an expected recession in Europe. A survey published on Thursday showed Germany's manufacturing sector reported continued weaker demand in November but the downturn slowed as signs of fewer material shortages fuelled hopes that cost pressures could also ease.

But a new U.S. law offering hefty subsidies to local manufacturers of green technology has given the company pause for thought. That is roughly four times what the German government is offering, he said, with cheaper energy prices in the United States on top. The act introduces tax credits related to investment in green technology, plus tax breaks for consumers buying an electric vehicle or other green product made in North America. German carmakers and suppliers, for which the United States is a main export market, are among its biggest victims. "If we don't do anything, a lot will emerge in the United States," said Siemens Energy (ENR1n.DE) Chief Executive Christian Bruch.

☆ German producer prices unexpectedly fall in October
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BERLIN, Nov 21 (Reuters) - German producer prices fell unexpectedly on the month in October, due primarily to a dip in prices for electricity and distributed natural gas, according to data released on Monday. Producer prices of industrial products fell 4.2% on the month, theFederal Statistical Office reported, compared with economists' expectations for a rise of 0.9%. October marks the first month-on-month decrease in producer prices, considered a leading indicator for consumer prices, since May 2020. Electricity prices were down 16.9% across all customer groups compared with September 2022, while prices of natural gas were down 9.0%, according to the office. Germany's consumer prices, harmonised to compare with other European countries, were 11.6% higher year-on-year in October.

☆ Germany's LNG terminals to cost more than double earlier estimate
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( Megan Rowling | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] General view of the new floating LNG gas terminal, which allows Germany to import LNG via ship from other countries, in the harbour in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, November 15, 2022. Overall, the costs are estimated at about 6.56 billion euros, the ministry said, confirming a report in Der Spiegel. That compares with 2.94 billion euros estimated in the country's 2022 budget. The ministry said the floating terminals were essential for Europe's biggest economy to compensate for a collapse in deliveries of Russian gas since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Germany this month completed the construction of its first floating terminal for LNG at the North Sea port of Wilhelmshaven.

☆ Germany's economic 'wise ones' less pessimistic than govt on looming recession -source
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BERLIN, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Germany will not face as severe a recession next year as currently predicted by the government, according to the so-called five "wise ones" who advise Berlin on economic policy. The advisors see Germany's economy shrinking by 0.2% in 2023, versus the official forecast of a 0.4% contraction, a person familiar with their annual report told Reuters on Tuesday. The economic advisory council is also slightly more optimistic about 2022 in its annual report, set to be released on Wednesday and first reported by Spiegel weekly. The top income tax rate should be raised or an energy solidarity tax imposed on high earners, the advisors said in their annual report, according to the Sueddeutsche Zeitung. Such measures would "increase the accuracy of the overall package and signal that the energy crisis must be overcome with solidarity", Sueddeutsche Zeitung quoted the annual report as saying.

☆ Germany's economic council less pessimistic than govt on looming recession -Source
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The five-member economic advisory council sees Germany's economy shrinking by 0.2% in 2023, versus the official forecast of a 0.4% contraction, a person familiar with their annual report told Reuters on Tuesday. The council is also slightly more optimistic about 2022 in its annual report, set to be released on Wednesday and first reported by Spiegel weekly. The Sueddeutsche Zeitung daily said the panel of advisers envisaged inflation of 7.4% next year. The top income tax rate should be raised or an energy solidarity tax imposed on high earners, the advisers said in their annual report, according to Sueddeutsche Zeitung. Such measures would "increase the accuracy of the overall package and signal that the energy crisis must be overcome with solidarity," Sueddeutsche Zeitung quoted the annual report as saying.

☆ Germany should hike taxes on rich to finance relief packages, advisers say - report
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BERLIN, Nov 7 (Reuters) - Germany's economic advisory council will recommend the government raise taxes on the wealthy to help finance the multi-billion euro relief packages it has agreed to fight the energy crisis, a German newspaper reported on Monday. The top income tax rate should be hiked or an energy solidarity tax imposed on high earners, the so-called five "wise men" who advise the German economic government on economic policy said in their annual report due to be released on Wednesday, according to Sueddeutsche Zeitung. Such measures would "increase the accuracy of the overall package and signal that the energy crisis must be overcome with solidarity", the SZ quoted the report as saying. The government was correct in launching relief packages to help counter soaring energy prices but it would have been helpful if it had agreed these sooner, the advisers said in their report, according to SZ. Reporting by Rene Wagner; Writing by Sarah Marsh; Editing by Chizu NomiyamaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ German exports to Britain could see growth for first time since Brexit vote
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

If this trend continues, 2022 would mark the first increase, after six consecutive years of shrinking exports, since the British referendum on whether to leave the European Union. "On the contrary, Brexit continues to create planning and legal uncertainty for internationally active German companies." In the ranking of Germany's most important trading partners, the United Kingdom took 10th place last year. In 2016, it was the fifth-most important trading partner. ($1 = 1.0133 euros)Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Rene Wagner, Writing by Miranda Murray, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ German investor morale less pessimistic than expected - ZEW
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Summary Analyst: gas price brake stabilised sentimentCurrent conditions index takes sharp tumbleOutlook has deteriorated again - ZEW presidentBERLIN, Oct 18 (Reuters) - German investor sentiment was less pessimistic than expected in October, even as the view of the current economic situation left little room for optimism following a tumble in confidence the month before. The ZEW economic research institute said on Tuesday its economic sentiment index grew slightly in October, to -59.2, from -61.9 in September, beating a forecast by analysts polled by Reuters of a reading of -65.7. In contrast, the institute's current conditions index fell by 11.7 points in October to a reading of -72.2. In its forecast released this month, the German government foresees economic growth of 1.4% this year and contraction of 0.4% next year. ZEW's indicators for euro zone sentiment and assessment of the current conditions mirrored Germany's, with sentiment up slightly in October and the situation indicator falling sharply.

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