German Industrial Production and Exports Show Resilience in April

German industrial production increased in April, while exports also posted an unexpected rise, offering a positive signal for Europe’s largest economy at the start of the second quarter.

According to data released by the federal statistics office on Tuesday, industrial production rose by 0.4% in April compared with the previous month. Economists surveyed by Reuters had expected a slightly stronger increase of 0.5%.

Production Trends Remain Mixed

Despite the monthly gain, broader production figures continue to show some weakness. On a less volatile three-month comparison basis, industrial output was 0.5% lower between February and April than during the previous three-month period.

The statistics office also revised March data, showing that production declined by just 0.1% from February, an improvement from the previously reported 0.7% drop.

German Exports Unexpectedly Increase

Separate data released on Tuesday revealed that German exports rose by 0.9% in April from the previous month, defying analyst expectations of a 0.5% decline.

The stronger export performance suggests continued demand for German goods despite ongoing economic uncertainties and global trade challenges.

Imports Rise and Trade Surplus Narrows

Imports also recorded growth, increasing by 1.2% on a calendar and seasonally adjusted basis compared with March 2026.

As a result, Germany’s trade surplus narrowed slightly to €14.5 billion in April, down from €14.7 billion in March.

Based on the latest exchange rate data, €14.5 billion was equivalent to approximately $16.74 billion.