German exports rose more than expected in February but industrial production fell, showing the struggle of the manufacturing sector in Europe’s biggest economy.

Exports rose by 1.8% in February compared with the previous month, data from the federal statistics office showed on Monday.

The result compared with a forecast 1.5% increase in a Reuters poll.

The far-reaching tariffs announced by the United States will deal a major blow to German industry.

The US was Germany’s biggest trading partner in 2024, according to the statistics office, with 253 billion euros ($270 billion) worth of goods exchanged between them.

German team meets TDAP chief to promote bilateral trade

German industrial production fell more than expected in February by 1.3% compared to the previous month, the federal statistics office said on Monday.

Analysts polled by Reuters had predicted a 0.8% decline.