Ifo Institute said Wednesday that German export-sector confidence rose sharply
to its highest level since February 2022. Its export expectations index from a
manufacturers’ survey climbed from -2.8 in July to 9.6 in August. Ifo said
exports are accelerating, led by robust demand to the EU. Electrical-equipment,
data-processing, electronics and optical-products makers are particularly upbeat
amid increased digitisation and AI investment. Automotive and fabricated-metal
goods firms also showed notably improved export sentiment, while paper and metal
production/processing firms expect export declines.