German Exports Rose in March Despite Pandemic Restrictions

By Maria Martinez

German exports continued their recovery in March despite the continuation of lockdown restrictions aimed at containing the coronavirus pandemic.

The country's exports rose 1.2% in March from February in adjusted terms, statistics office Destatis said Friday. Economists had forecast a 0.5% increase in adjusted terms, according to a poll by The Wall Street Journal.

Imports in March increased 6.5% on month. The figures account for seasonal swings and calendar effects.

Germany's trade surplus--the balance of exports and imports of goods--totaled 14.3 billion euros ($17.2 billion) in calendar and seasonally adjusted terms in March, Destatis said. Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal forecast the trade surplus at EUR19.0 billion.

According to provisional results from central bank Deutsche Bundesbank, the current account of the balance of payments showed a EUR30.2 billion surplus in March, taking into account the balances of trade in goods including supplementary trade items, services, primary income, and secondary income.

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

05-07-21 0223ET