German exports fell 1.4% in May from the previous month, a sharper decline than the 0.2% drop economists expected, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office released Tuesday. Imports contracted 3.8%, widening the nation’s trade surplus to €18.4 billion from €15.7 billion in April. The setback was driven by a 7.7% slide in shipments to the United States, Germany’s largest single export market. Goods worth €12.1 billion were sent across the Atlantic, the smallest total since March 2022, as earlier front-loaded orders ahead of potential U.S. tariffs unwound. Sales to the European Union fell 2.2%, while exports to China were down 2.9%. Economists said the figures confirm that the boost seen in February and March has fully reversed and warned that uncertainty over Washington’s trade policy continues to weigh on German manufacturers. President Donald Trump this week announced 25% tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea starting 1 August and has signalled additional duties could extend to Europe, clouding the outlook for the export-reliant German economy.