The German Federal Statistical Office stated on Friday that industrial production in Germany fell by 0.1% in April compared to the previous month, mainly due to weakness in the construction sector.
Analysts surveyed by Reuters had previously expected industrial production to grow by 0.3%.
Data showed that output in the construction sector fell by 2.1%, while the automotive sector saw a month-on-month increase of 4.2%.
In the less volatile three-month comparison, production from February to April grew by 1% compared to the previous three months.
Thomas Gitzel, Chief Economist at VP Bank, said that these data "raise concerns that overall economic growth in the second quarter will be weak." He added, "An increase in industrial output requires stronger growth in orders."
Industrial orders also unexpectedly fell in April, marking the fourth consecutive month of decline, mainly due to a significant decrease in large orders.
Carsten Brzeski, Global Head of Macro at ING, said: "Yesterday's decline in new orders and still high inventory levels indicate that any recovery in industrial activity will remain moderate."
