Introduction
In 2000 German exports reached a record total of Ђ600bn, representing growth of 17 % over 1999. Germany profited more than many countries from the upswing in global trade, which rose by 13 %. This in turn was driven by the economic situation in the USA and the favourable exchange rate of the Euro against the US dollar, as well by increased demand for German products. In the first half of 2001 German exports increased by 11.4 % compared with the same period in 2000.
Following the fall in demand for Federal Government export guarantee cover in the two preceding years, 2000 brought a marked increase. The value of insured exports rose by 43% to Ђ19.5bn, the highest level since 1992. Exports protected by Federal Government export guarantees thus represented 3.3 % of Germany’s total exports. .
