German exports rebounded by less than expected in October, dampening hopes that trade will make a significant contribution to a predicted expansion in Europe's biggest economy in the final quarter of this year.
Seasonally adjusted exports rose by 0.5% on the month, data from the Federal Statistics Office showed today, while imports increased by 1.3%.
The data reinforces a trend of weakening exports, which have been losing their traditional role as the main growth driver in Germany.
A Reuters poll had pointed to exports rising by 1% and imports posting a 0.9% increase.
The jump in imports narrowed the seasonally adjusted trade surplus to €20.5 billion from €21.1 billion in September.
The October reading was below the Reuters consensus forecast of €21.5 billion.
