The German trade surplus declined sharply in November, as exports dropped 10.6% m/m, which far outstripped the 5.6% m/m decline in nominal imports. The sa surplus dropped to EUR 10.7 bln from EUR 15.8 bln in October. Unadjusted data showed a surplus of EUR 9.7 bln compared to a surplus of EUR 19.4 bln in November last year and versus EUR 16.4 bln in October. The current account surplus also dropped sharply and amounted to just EUR 8.6 bln in November, versus EUR 19.7 bln in November last year and EUR 14.3 bln in November. Data highlight the extend of the deterioration in export demand Germany is facing as the financial crisis is spreading to Eastern Europe. Orders data indicate that there is no turnaround in sight yet, so that the trade surplus is likely to continue to decline in coming months.