The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Berlin

German industrial output and exports fell in March, data showed yesterday, as a stronger euro, weaker global demand and high raw material prices left their mark on Europe's largest economy.

Until recently, economic data and sentiment indicators suggested that Germany was weathering well the prevailing headwinds in the world economy but Thursday's data added to growing evidence that this may not be the case.

Figures from the economy ministry for example showed that output from German factories dipped 0.5 percent from February, the first monthly fall since November, while February's rise was adjusted downwards to mere 0.2 percent.

The main culprit was a 12.3 percent slump in construction activity as a result of a mild winter which meant that the usual spring bounce in building activity was not forthcoming, the ministry said.