German Exports Rise in January Thanks to Strong Trade With China

German exports rose unexpectedly in January, buoyed by strong trade with China at a positive start of the year for manufacturers in Europe’s largest economy.

Seasonally adjusted exports rose 1.4% compared to the previous month after a 0.4% increase in December, the Federal Statistics Office said Tuesday. The previous reading for December was lower.

Imports decreased by 4.7%, after stabilizing in the previous month, and not increasing, as in the previous report as well.

A Reuters poll expected exports to drop 1.2% and imports to fall 0.5%.

January’s export growth beat even the most optimistic forecasts.

The trade surplus widened to 22.2 billion euros. And exports destined for China increased 3.1% year on year.