CAPTION: Components of a Lexion combine harvester being assembled in a production hall. (picture alliance/Bernd Thissen/dpa/archive)
German machinery makers posted a reduced rise in exports in the quarter to the end of September, with September itself showing a decline, the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) said from its headquarters in Frankfurt on Monday.
Exports rose 3.9 per cent on the year in the period to 43.8 billion euros (50.1 billion dollars), against a rise of 5.9 per cent in the first half.
"September showed the first skid marks with a decline in exports by 0.2 per cent," VDMA chief economist Ralph Wiechers said. "But one shouldn't overstate a single month's figures."
Wiechers said trading conditions were becoming more difficult, but highlighted the ability of medium-sized machinery makers to maintain their position "despite all the obstacles to trade in global competition."
"The months ahead will reveal how global trade conflicts will impact on Germany," he said.
Over the first nine months, deliveries rose in nominal terms to 131.9 billion euros, up 5.2 per cent on the year.
China returned to being the most important single-country export market, with exports to the country rising by 11. 4 per cent to 14.23 billion euros, easing out the United states on 14.16 billion euros, up 6.9 per cent on the year.
The European Union remains the biggest taker of German machinery, importing 62.14 billion euros' worth in the first nine months, up 5.6 per cent on the year.
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A single purchase
