Industrial orders in Germany fell by a much bigger-than-expected 4.8% in November compared to a month earlier, hit by falling orders from abroad, new data showed today.
An increase in orders for October was also revised slightly downwards to 5% from 5.2%, according to the figures released by the Economy Ministry.
Due to the October increase, orders for November had been expected to fall but the figure exceeded the expectations of analysts, who had predicted a fall of 1.7%.
Orders from abroad slumped by 7.8% in November, while those from Germany fell by 1.1%, the ministry said.
"Even without taking into account big orders, the dynamic of demand is currently weak. In line with forecasts, that signifies limited development for industrial production during the winter months," it said.
