German manufacturers' export expectations dampen slightly in Jan.

BERLIN, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- German manufacturers' expectations in export growth weakened slightly in January, the economic research group Ifo Institute reported Monday.

The outlook value fell to 16.6 balance points in January 2018 from 19.7 balance points in December 2017, the Munich-based think tank said.

According to the report, the majority of companies expect exports to continue to grow, but to a lesser extent than in the previous month. Export expectations fell in nearly all major German manufacturing segments except automotive firms, which expect an upturn in their foreign business.

"After a very good six months for exports, companies expect growth to slow a little in the near future," Ifo chief Clemens Fuest said.

The Ifo export expectations are based on around 2,700 monthly reports from manufacturers, who are asked to report their export expectations for the next three months. Enditem