Sentiment in German export industry rises in January

Sentiment in the German export industry improved slightly in January, a leading indicator reported on Tuesday.

Export expectations rose to minus 1.2 points in January, up from minus 3 in December, according to the Munich-based ifo Institute.

However, Klaus Wohlrabe, the think tank's head of surveys, warned that there were "no clear signs of an upward trend for the first quarter of 2026."

Even though companies are less sceptical with regard to their international business, uncertainty remains high, said Wohlrabe.

The report comes days after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on eight European countries, including Germany, over their opposition to his demand for control over Danish-administered Greenland.

Trump later backed down after talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

The institute said Germany's automotive industry and manufacturers of electrical equipment were particularly confident in January, expecting increases in foreign business.

Meanwhile, in metal production and processing, export expectations reached their highest level since February 2022.

In contrast, the clothing, food and printing industries continue to expect exports to decline.