German trade decline raises fears over global economy

Concern that trade tensions and Brexit uncertainty are weighing on world growth

German exports and industrial output fell sharply in April, triggering fresh fears that trade tensions and continued Brexit uncertainty are weighing on the global growth outlook.

Industrial production in Europe's largest economy fell 1.9%, which was the worst monthly fall in almost four years, according to Germany's statistics office. It was much worse than the 0.4% decline forecast by economists.