Promising signs for German food and agribusiness exports
German exports have continued to grow in the second quarter of 2010 with figures in May showing a year on year increase of 5.74% and a month-on-month rise of 11%. Food and agribusiness exports amounted to 20 billion Euros for the first five months of 2010. In the livestock sector poultry increased by 28% compared to 2009. Very good results were also achieved by German beer producers with an increase of 30%, followed by spirits with 21% and wine with 16%. Germany´s export industry is benefiting from the current worldwide economic recovery as well as a weak Euro which made goods cheaper overseas. While the EU countries remain the most important export partners for Germany, emerging markets have generated substantial new growth for the food and agribusiness industry.
With the Ifo Business Climate Index climbing to a three-year-high of 106.2 points in July, Germany´s economy is growing strongly and the export trends are clearly pointing upwards. Analysts and exporters are confident this development will continue for the second half of this year.
BBC survey shows Germany to be most popular country in the world
For the third year running, a BBC survey that explores people’s opinions on other countries has shown Germany to be the most popular country in the world. The survey questioned over 30,000 people in 28 countries on their attitudes towards other countries.
59 percent of those questioned perceived Germany’s influence in the world as positive.
Japan ranked closely behind Germany in second place with 53 percent followed by the United Kingdom (52%), Canada (51%), and France (49%). The European Union is viewed positively by 53%.
