German exports at record level

German exporters posted record earnings in the first half of the year due to strong demand from EU countries, the US, and China. Exports grew by 4.5 percent in June alone compared to the previous month, adding up to €134.3 billion, according to the Federal Statistical Office on Wednesday. This is already the third increase in a row after plus 1.3 percent in May and plus 4.6 percent in April. Economists surveyed by the Reuters news agency had expected growth of only 1.0 percent this time.