German exports rebound in February

German exports increased more than expected in February, following a dip in the previous month, official data showed Thursday.

In February, Germany exported goods worth 95.7 billion euros (102.1 billion U.S. dollars) abroad, said German federal statistical office Destatis.

When adjusted for calendar and seasonal swings, German exports rose by 1.5 percent in February month-on-month, higher than a growth of 1 percent expected by economists.

In January, the exports declined by 2.1 percent, Destatis data showed.

Compared with the same month last year, German exports increased 3.9 percent in February, while imports grew 0.8 percent.

In February, Germany imported goods worth 76.5 billion euros. In a month-on-month comparison, German imports increased by 1.8 percent, following a decline of 0.2 percent in January.

Analysts said the growth of exports signaled that external demands would also contribute to the expansion of Europe's biggest economy in 2015 besides robust domestic demands.

A weak euro, low oil prices, increasing wages and stable labor market are seen as stimulus to the German economy in current year.

Recent surveys found that confidence of German consumers and business both stand at high level. Meanwhile, unemployment hit its lowest level since the country's reunification 25 years ago.

A separate report from Destatis on Thursday showed that industrial output in February increased by 0.2 percent month-on-month, after falling by 0.4 percent in January.

The German Federal Economy Ministry said that the total output of industrial sector was expected to increase slightly in the first quarter given the positive mood of companies. Endit