Weak eurozone demand hits ‘Made in Germany’ goods

German industrial orders fell for the third consecutive month in September – in particular due to weak demand from other eurozone countries.

The surprise news from the Federal Statistical Office has led to warnings about the outlook for Europe’s largest economy.

Orders for ‘Made in Germany’ goods fell by 1.7 percent on the month. Bookings from abroad were down by 2.5 percent; from other eurozone countries they fell by 6.7 percent.

Over three months the impact of the Chinese slowdown appears to be more marked.

Economists have expressed different opinions: from “it’s a bump in the road, nothing more” to forecasts that German economic growth is set to remain sluggish.