German GDP sees 0.4% growth in the first quarter of 2025

Germany's battling economy has seen better than expected growth in the first quarter of 2025 with the Federal Statistics Office (Destatis) reporting an improvement of 0.4% when compared to the the last quarter of 2024.

It is twice the initial growth forecast of 0.2% and comes off the back of rising exports and stronger consumer spending during the period in question.

Ruth Brand, president of Destatis, pointed to "surprisingly good economic development in March" as a key driver behind the higher growth figures.

Brand said said there was better than expected performance in production in the manufacturing sector and exports, especially of cars and pharmaceuticals.

That all came as producers tried to get on the frontfoot ahead of the Trump administration imposed sweeping tariffs earlier in April.

Thursday saw Germany's new Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil highlight how the new coalition government is looking to revive the country's economy.