German trade surplus narrows more than expected in September

Germany's trade surplus reduced more than anticipated in September as imports increased more than exports, data published by the Federal Statistical Office showed Friday.

The country's trade surplus fell by 9.5% to EUR15.3 billion in September from EUR16.9 billion in August, the latter revised down from EUR17.2 billion. The decline in the surplus is much sharper than the FXStreet-cited consensus, which had anticipated a surplus of EUR16.8 billion in September.

Exports rose 1.4% monthly in September after a fall of 0.8% in August, which was revised down from a decline of 0.5%.

Imports climbed 3.1% monthly in September after a decline of 1.4% in August, revised down from 1.3%.

Notably, German exports to the UK rose 7.1% monthly in September to EUR7.0 billion, while imports from the UK jumped 20% to EUR3.6 billion during the same period.