German trade surplus widens in November amid critics' concerns over reliance on exports

BERLIN – Germany's trade surplus widened in November as exports rose and imports dropped slightly, adding potential fuel to critics' concerns that the country is not spending enough to help out its struggling eurozone partners.

The Federal Statistical Office said Wednesday that exports in November rose 0.3 percent compared with the previous month to 93.2 billion euros ($127.13 billion), while imports declined 1.1 percent to 75.4 billion euros when adjusted for seasonal and calendar factors. That put the November trade surplus at 17.8 billion euros, up from a downwardly revised 16.7 billion the previous month.

Germany, Europe's biggest economy, has been criticized of relying too heavily on its exports and not importing enough to boost other economies in the eurozone. The United States has urged Germany to push for more domestic growth.