German manufacturing output rose significantly in January 2012, which contributed to the Eurozone Purchasing Managers Index rising for the second consecutive month. German manufacturing output has increased for the first time in four months, and when combined with improving results for Italy and Spain, optimism is beginning to return to the Eurozone area.

The German PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) rose from a level of 48.4 in December to 50.9 in January 2012, whilst the Composite Output Index, which measures the combined output of manufacturing and services surged to a new 7 month high. The manufacturing growth was in response to increased…

The year 2011 was an exceptionally good year for German exporters, with the November figures showing year on year growth for the month of 8.3%, with significant inroads being made into the bourgeoning Chinese market. The value of German exports to November 2011 was €94.9 billion whereas imports at November YTD were valued at €78.7 billion. Germany’s foreign trade balance showed surplus of €162 Billion.

Out of the €94.9 Billion of exports, €5 Billion went to member states of the EU, an overall increase of 8.4%.

However in China, December saw export growth slow down significantly to 13.4% year on tear, which was exemplified…