Germany's trade surplus edged up in October despite the strength of the euro against the dollar, with exports climbing by 0.6% on a monthly basis.
The biggest euro zone economy notched up a surplus of €18.7 billion, up from €18.1 billion in September and well above a consensus of €16.7 billion by analysts.
Seasonally-corrected data from the national statistics office showed exports growing by 0.6% while imports increased by a more modest 0.2%, with countries in the 27-member European Union remaining Germany's main trading partners.
German exports continue to underpin growth although the euro's strength against other major currencies has made them more expensive in countries outside the 13-member euro zone.
In particular, expanding economies in eastern Europe continue to purchase German machine tools and other capital or intermediate goods used to turn out final products.
Meanwhile, the current account surplus slipped to €13.7 billion in October from €15.4 billion a month earlier. The current account is the broadest measure of trade in goods and services and also includes certain financial transfers.
