Germany records first monthly trade deficit since 1991 as inflation soars

May's 1bn deficit came as rising prices, falling demand and supply chain disruption hit industrial base

Germany has recorded its first monthly trade deficit since 1991 amid soaring inflation and supply chain disruption weighing on the country's industrial base.

Figures from the country's statistics agency showed a surge in the value of imports and modest decline in exports had pushed Europe's largest economy into a trade deficit of 1bn (860m) in May.