Industry decline in Germany and France

The data shows seasonally-adjusted exports fell by 1.0 percent on the month, while imports dropped by 0.5 percent. The net balance widened the trade surplus to a record 24 billion euros.

A weakness in construction was the main reason said the ministry.

And data from Europe's second largest economy also showed an unexpected decline.

French industrial output fell 0.1 percent month-on-month in June, in contrast to a 0.4 percent rise in May. Economists had expected a 0.2 percent increase.

Manufacturing output also fell. It dropped 0.7 percent reversing an increase by the same percentage in the previous month.A 0.2 percent rise had been forecast.

Source: EuroNews