Export growth three times more than forecast
Driven by trade with U.S., euro area
Russia exports fall further
Industry warns of shortlived recovery

BERLIN, June 3 Reuters German exports rose more than forecast in April, as Europe39;s biggest economy relied on trade with the United States and the euro area to recover from the initial impact of the war in Ukraine, government data showed on Friday.

Exports rose 4.4 from the previous month, the Federal Statistical Office said, almost three times the 1.5 increase predicted by economists in a Reuters poll.

In March, exports had fallen by 3.

The boost for Germany39;s exportdriven economy came despite a collapse in trade with Russia over recent months due to severe sanctions imposed by the West in a bid to punish Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.

Exports from Germany to Russia dropped 10 in April after plummeting 60 in March, the statistics office said.

Imports also increased more than expected in April, by 3.1, following a 3.2 rise in March, the statistics office reported.

ING chief economist Carsten Brzeski called the April trade data a pleasant surprise.

German exports have defied renewed supply chain disruptions and the economic impact of the war in Ukraine. At least for now, he said.

However, the Chambers of Industry and Commerce DIHK warned that the upswing could be shortlived.

The export engine is grinding tremendously, said DIHK foreign trade chief Volker Treier, adding that the April growth was solely…