German exports rise 2.0 percent in September, imports faster

German exports rose 2.0 percent in September from August to 141.1 billion euros, Destatis reported, while imports rose 4.2 percent to 125.5 billion euros, narrowing the adjusted trade surplus to 15.6 billion euros from 17.9 billion in August.

Why it matters: Exports to China fell 5.2 percent in the month to 5.5 billion euros and exports to the United States slipped 0.5 percent, so the September gain was carried by trade with EU partners rather than Germany's two largest outside markets.

Data as of Destatis press release No. 390 of November 9, 2026, read in full in this run; figures are provisional and calendar and seasonally adjusted unless stated. Developing item.

German exports rose 2.0 percent in September from August to 141.1 billion euros and were 7.7 percent higher than a year earlier, the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) reported on November 9. Imports rose faster, up 4.2 percent in the month to 125.5 billion euros, leaving an adjusted trade surplus of 15.6 billion euros, down from 17.9 billion euros in August.

Trade with EU partners drove the increase: exports to EU member states rose 3.5 percent to 80.8 billion euros, while exports to countries outside the EU rose only 0.1 percent. Exports to China fell 5.2 percent to 5.5 billion euros and exports to the United States, still the largest single destination, slipped 0.5 percent to 13.4 billion euros, though they were 10.3 percent higher than in September 2025.

German exports rise 2.0 percent in September, imports faster

Sources