Germany’s exports fell 0.8% month-on-month in July to €138.2 billion, ending five consecutive months of growth as shipments to the European Union and China weakened. Exports to EU countries declined 1.6%, while non-EU shipments rose 0.2%; U.S.-bound exports jumped 19.1% after falling 14.2% in June. Exports to China dropped 9.5%, and imports from China fell 7.5%. Imports overall declined 5.7%, widening Germany’s trade surplus to €21.3 billion from €15.4 billion in June. Stronger exports helped the economy grow 0.3% in the second quarter, but officials and economists cautioned that volatile trade policy and competitive pressure from China continue to weigh on the recovery. Exporter expectations improved in August to their highest level since February 2022, while Chinese exports surged 25% year-on-year on demand for high-tech and artificial-intelligence products.