German Trade Surplus Rises More Than Estimated on Exports

Germany’s trade surplus widened more than estimated in September, risking added criticism that the nation’s reliance on exports is hindering Europe’s economic recovery.

The surplus widened to 20.4 billion euros ($27.4 billion) from a revised 13.3 billion euros in August, the Federal Statistics Office in Wiesbaden said today. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News predicted an increase to 15.4 billion euros. Exports gained 1.7 percent, also beating estimates, while imports dropped 1.9 percent.