Increased construction sector activity and a rise in exports cited as reasons

BERLIN: Germany’s economy expanded slightly in the first quarter thanks to increased construction sector activity and a rise in exports, government data showed on Friday, matching a preliminary estimate of 0.2 per cent quarter-on-quarter growth released last month.

German news agency DPA quoted Ruth Brand, president of the Federal Statistical Office, as saying in a statement, “After GDP fell at the end of 2023, the German economy started 2024 on a positive note.”