International trade in services refers to the exchange of intangible services such as financial services, tourism or IT between countries. Unlike in goods trade, no physical goods are exchanged. Globalisation, technological developments and the opening-up of markets have greatly increased its importance.

German enterprises constitute net debtors vis-à-vis non-residents: Standing at €1862 billion at the end of July 2026, their liabilities arising from financial operations and trade credits, exceeded their corresponding assets of €1605 billion by €258 billion. Compared with the previous month, this is a change of - €13 billion.

The international importance of a currency is reflected not only in its use as a reserve or anchor currency, but also in its role as an invoicing currency in trade across national borders. In the current issue of the Monthly Report, our experts examine the euro’s international role as an invoicing currency and its potential. 

The German economy has not slowed despite the war in the Middle East, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel said at a joint press conference with Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil as part of the meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in Asheville. Germany’s gross domestic product grew perceptibly in the first half of 2026, he noted. The global economy, too, remains robust despite repeated flare-ups of the conflict in the Persian Gulf.

The statistics on services trade by enterprise characteristics enable a sound assessment of enterprises involved in international trade in services. They provide a valuable foundation for economic policy decisions and analyses.

On this page you will find relevant code lists on reports in external sector.

Information on the options for obtaining the stamping quality “Stamp Shine”.

German banks tightened their credit standards for loans to enterprises, for housing loans to households as well as for consumer credit and other loans to households in the second quarter 2026.

Germany’s current account recorded a surplus of €21.2 billion in July 2026. The result was €2.3 billion up on the level of the previous month. This was mainly due to a larger goods account surplus. By contrast, there was a decrease in the surplus in invisible current transactions, which comprise services as well as primary and secondary income.