German exports fell more than expected in imports, shrinking the nation's trade surplus as trade tensions with the United States slowed down the traditional engine of growth in Europe's biggest economy.
Exports adjusted for seasonal factors fell 0.8 percent on a monthly basis in September, with imports down 0.4 percent, the Federal Bureau of Statistics said.
A Reuters poll of economists said a 0.3 percent increase in exports and a 0.8 percent rise in imports.
Germany's trade surplus shrank to 17.6 billion euros ($ 20.09 billion) from a revised 18.2 billion euros in August.
