German Trade Surplus Widens in June

Germany's trade surplus widened 40 percent in June to 16.8 billion euros ($ 21 billion) from 12 billion euros in May, the national statistics office reported Tuesday. It said imports fell 5.5 percent in June to 51.9 billion euros, a trend that suggests weakening household consumption. Exports rose 0.4 percent to 68.8 billion euros compared with May. Germany's current account, which measures trade in goods and services along with certain financial transfers, showed a surplus of 10.4 billion euros in June.