German imports take unexpected dip in July

BERLIN, Sept 2 (Reuters) – German exports fell less than expected in July, down 2.1% on the previous month, while imports saw an unexpected dip, falling 1.5%, according to Federal Statistical Office data on Friday.

A Reuters poll had predicted a month-on-month decrease in exports of 2.3% and a 0.8% rise in imports.

Exports from Germany to Russia were down 15.1% compared with the previous month, the office said, after plummeting by 60% in March amid severe Western sanctions on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.

In July, Germany had a seasonally adjusted trade surplus of 5.4 billion euros ($5.38 billion), the office reported, versus a forecast surplus of 4.8 billion euros.

($1 = 1.0029 euros)

(Reporting by Miranda MurrayEditing by Paul Carrel)