Represents German domestic demand for foreign goods. The headline number is the percentage change in the value of imports.

The value of imports is an important input in calculations of the Trade Balance, the Current Account and GDP. Imports are rarely considered in isolation. Rather, they are most often analyzed in comparison to Exports. German imports (and exports) are separated by intra-community trade and extra-community trade. Intra-community trade covers trade within the EU member countries while Extra-community trade covers trades with the rest of the world. A strong demand for imports from the Extra-community could lead to a trade deficit that could result in a drop in the currency's value.

Note: The import report aggregates the Intra-community trade and Extra-community trade to provide overall import values. The report is seasonally adjusted to avoid confusion caused by month to month volatility in sales.

Relevance: Rarely affects markets
Release schedule: 6:15 (GMT); monthly, provisional reports are available approximately 40 days after the end of reference period.
Source of report: Federal Statistical Office Germany
Web Address: http://www.destatis.de/indicators/e/iwf01.htm
Address of release: http://www.destatis.de/indicators/e/ahlueb.htm
AKA: IM