Official figures show that Germany's trade surplus soared in June to €12.2 billion, up more than 28% compared with May.
Statistics agency Destatis said German exports enjoyed a 7% rise in June compared with May, while imports were up 6.8%. The figures confirmed the resurgence in exports, the country's main economic engine.
Nevertheless, the trade surplus from January to June this year was 44.8% weaker than the same period in 2008, showing that Germany still has some way to go to climb out of its deepest recession in six decades. And on an annual basis, the trade surplus in June was down 22.3%.
The trade data are the latest in a series of positive surprises for Germany, one of the world's leading exporters. On Thursday, the economy ministry reported that industrial orders had jumped by 4.5% in June in following a 4.4% rise in May, adding that prospects for the key sector had improved.
In addition, so-called 'soft' data, such as business and consumer confidence surveys, are pointing to brighter times ahead in Germany.
German output static in June
German industrial output hit the skids in June after a surprisingly strong jump in May.
Output was 'practically unchanged' on a month-by-month basis, dropping 0.1% from May, preliminary German economic ministry data showed.
The ministry also revised higher its data for May, when output climbed by 4.3% compared to initial estimates of 3.7%.
The data disappointed analysts, who had forecast a rise of 0.8% over the month.
Nevertheless, the ministry remained relatively upbeat, judging: 'Due to the recently rising industrial orders, the worst should be over for German industry.'
Industrial orders jumped by 4.5% in June following a 4.4% rise in May, the economy ministry said yesterday.
