German economy to continue growing in early 2019: ministry

Wednesday, 16 January 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

BERLIN (Reuters) - The German economy is likely to continue expanding at the start of 2019, the Economy Ministry said on Tuesday, after data showed the economy grew at its weakest rate in five years in 2018.

Economic output in Europe’s largest economy increased by 1.5% in 2018 compared to 2.2% in 2017. Reasons for slower growth last year included a weaker global economy, sales problems in the car industry due to new pollution standards and special effects such as an outbreak of flu, low water levels hampering shipping and strikes, the Economy Ministry said.

German GDP grew 1.5% in 2018, weakest rate in five years