German industry sees faster output growth this year despite weaker exports

Berlin

GERMAN industrial output is expected to increase at a faster pace this year despite weaker growth in exports, the BDI industry association said in its latest report, which was seen by Reuters on Sunday.

Domestic demand has replaced foreign trade as the main support of Europe's largest economy, and the government predicts gross domestic product will grow by 1.7 per cent, on a par with last year, despite concerns about an economic slowdown in China and other emerging markets.