North Rhine-Westphalia's exports plummet 8.5% in June 2019

North Rhine-Westphalia faced a sharp drop in exports during June 2019. The state’s trade figures showed an 8.5% decline compared to the same month the previous year. Key markets like the UK, USA and China saw some of the steepest falls in demand for its goods. In June 2019, the state exported goods worth €15.8 billion, down significantly from €17.3 billion in June 2018. The largest declines came from exports to the United Kingdom, which fell by 20.1%, followed by a 16.1% drop to the USA and a 9.0% decrease to China.

Imports also weakened slightly during the same period. The value of goods brought into North Rhine-Westphalia in June 2019 reached €20.1 billion, a 1.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the first half of 2019, the overall trend remained negative. Total exports amounted to €98.5 billion, down 0.9% from the same period in 2018. Meanwhile, imports rose by 3.3%, reaching €124.7 billion.

The trade gap widened as exports fell while imports continued to grow. The decline in demand from major trading partners contributed heavily to the deficit. These figures highlight ongoing challenges for North Rhine-Westphalia’s trade balance in 2019.