German exports outside the European Union fell 7.6% from July, the Federal Statistical Office said. The fall came after three rises in a row.

The economy stagnated in the second quarter, with Finance Minister Christian Lindner saying the economic situation in Germany is deteriorating and the outlook is fragile.

Separate official data showed that German producer prices rose at a record pace in July. The economy is stuck in a stranglehold of soaring spending and weakening growth due to the war in Ukraine.

The United States remained the most important trading partner for German exporters in July, with exports of goods to the US market up 14.9% year on year. Exports to China grew by 6.1% year on year. Exports to Russia fell by 56.0% compared to last year.

The German economy became more dependent on China in the first half of 2022, with direct investment and its trade deficit reaching new highs, according to a study published by Reuters, despite political pressure on Berlin to turn its back on Beijing.