BERLIN, Dec 4 Reuters German exports unexpectedly fell in October, edging down 0.2 on the previous month as demand in the European Union slumped, data from the federal statistics office showed on Monday.

The result compared with a forecast 1.1 increase in a LSEG poll, following a strong 2.5 fall in September.

Exports to EU countries shrank by 2.7 in October, the office said.

The trade data follows a November survey by the Ifo economic institute that indicated a stabilisation in exports in Europe39;s largest economy, although few sectors expected exports to increase.

Imports from Europe39;s largest economy also dropped unexpectedly in their fifth consecutive monthly decline, by 1.2 month on month.

The statistics office publishes detailed economic data on its website.

Reporting by Tristan Veyet and Rene Wagner, Editing by Rachel More and Bernadette Baum

Source Reuters