[mamelukesabre]

Could that be due to a change in the way “exports” are counted? If germany sells something to france, is it an export? They’re both in the same economic union and use the same currency.

[modican]

due to a change in the way “exports” are counted?
don't get too picky. Germany is an independent Country, like the USA. Until last week, Germany was #1 Exporter, that means 80 mil people create as much as 1000 mil Chinese. That should put the statistics in perspective.

[snowsislander]

Could that be due to a change in the way “exports” are counted? If germany sells something to france, is it an export? They’re both in the same economic union and use the same currency.

Yes, inside of the European Union trade does still count as an international export.

Also, these exports are counted by dollar value, and the dollar has been quite weak compared to the euro. So, for instance, supposing Germany were to send the same X euros worth of exports to France in 2006 and 2007, still in dollar value they would be counted as increasing since the euro has been stronger in 2007 than in 2006.