Sentiment in Germany’s export sector has improved again.
In February, the Ifo export‑expectation index rose to +2.6 points, up from -0.8 in January. “The export industry is getting a bit of a tailwind as we enter the new year” said Ifo’s business‑cycle chief, Timo Wollmershäuser. “But a broad, dynamic recovery is not yet evident”.
Manufacturers of electronic and optical goods are notably more optimistic about their foreign markets. The automotive sector also shows a stable export picture, with expectations rising once more. Food and furniture producers now enjoy positive outlooks, signalling expected growth in overseas sales. In the metal industry, the indicator improved, yet exports are seen as largely stable at present. In contrast, the paper, printing and chemical sectors anticipate declining exports.
“The latest US tariff decisions bring new uncertainty” Wollmershäuser added. “When customs rules keep changing, it becomes difficult for businesses to plan”.
