German imports rise more than expected in June, exports down By Reuters

BERLIN (Reuters) – German imports rose more than expected while exports edged down, data showed on Friday, in a further sign that domestic demand helps Europe’s largest economy to slowly reduce its dependence on foreign demand.

The Federal Statistics Office said seasonally adjusted exports were down by 0.1 % on the month while imports increased by 0.5 %. The trade surplus stood at 18.1 billion euros after a downwardly revised 18.1 billion euros in the previous month.

A Reuters Poll of economists had pointed to a 0.1 percent drop in exports and a 0.3 increase in imports. The trade surplus was expected to come in at 18.6 billion euros.