German exports rose unexpectedly in May, increasing by 0.9% compared with the previous month, data from the federal statistics office showed on Thursday.
The result compared with a forecast 0.3% decrease in a Reuters poll.
Imports were down 2.5% on a calendar and seasonally adjusted basis.
The foreign trade balance showed a surplus of €19.1 billion in May, up from €14.7 billion in April.
Exports to EU countries dropped by 1.1% on the month, while exports of goods to countries outside the EU increased by 3.6%.
