German exports surge 3.6% year-on-year in April

German exports increased 3.6% on a yearly basis in April, totaling €136.6 billion ($157.7 billion), according to official data released on Tuesday.

The country's imports also surged 6.2% year-on-year to €122.1 billion ($141 billion) during the same period.

The foreign trade balance posted a surplus of €14.5 billion in April.

On a monthly basis, the country's exports rose 0.9% while imports gained 1.2% compared to March.

Germany's exports totaled €79.1 billion to European Union member states and imports amounted to €61 billion from them.

In trade with non-EU countries, the country's exports hit €57.5 billion and imports reached €61.1 billion.

The US remained the top destination for German shipments with €11.4 billion, despite a 12.9% drop compared to the same month last year.

China continued to lead German imports as the country imported goods valued at €15.6 billion from Beijing, marking a 7.3% jump on a yearly basis.