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BERLIN - Germany's Federal Statistical Office says the country's exports rose in May despite difficulties in the 17-nation eurozone, but the trade balance narrowed as imports increased by an even greater amount.
Exports in May rose by a seasonally adjusted 3.9 per cent while imports rose by 6.3 per cent compared with the previous month, the office reported Monday.
In unadjusted terms exports were up 0.5 per cent to €92.5 billion ($114.5 billion) while imports were down 0.2 per cent to €77.2 billion compared to May 2011, for a trade surplus of €15.3 billion in May 2012.
In adjusted terms the surplus was €15 billion.
Exports decreased by 2.3 per cent to eurozone areas but rose 0.2 per cent elsewhere in the European Union over May 2011. The drop was offset by a 3.4 per cent gain to non EU countries.
