German imports and exports rise more than forecast in April

BERLIN (REUTERS) - German exports rose in April and imports surged even more, data from the Federal Statistics Office showed on Friday, in a further sign that Europe's largest economy is regaining some momentum after contracting at the end of last year.

Imports jumped by 2.3 per cent versus March, well above the consensus forecast for a 0.5 per cent rise in a Reuters poll and beating even the highest estimate for a 1.5 per cent increase.

Exports climbed by 1.9 per cent, far more than the mid-range forecast in a Reuters poll for a 0.2 per cent rise.

The seasonally-adjusted trade surplus widened slightly to 17.7 billion euros (S$29 billion) from 17.6 billion in March. The consensus forecast was for it to narrow to 17.2 billion euros.

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