German exports rise unexpectedly in July

(AP) The Federal Statistical Office says German exports inched up unexpectedly in July despite weakening demand from within the eurozone, where several countries are in recession.

Exports rose 0.5 percent in July from the previous month to 92.9 billion ($117 billion), while imports rose 0.9 percent to 76.8 billion over June, figures adjusted for seasonal and calendar variations showed Friday. Economists had been predicting both to drop slightly.

From January to July 2012, total exports were up 5.4 percent over the same period last year to 644.1 billion. They dropped during that period 0.6 percent to other countries using the euro currency, though rose 1.2 percent to the European Union overall.

Overall exports were also bolstered by a strong 11.8 percent rise to countries outside the European Union.