"The development of foreign trade slowed down economic growth because exports recorded a stronger quarter-on-quarter decrease than imports," the statistics office said.

The US-China trade war and the UK's departure from the EU, especially if it happens without a deal, are among factors affecting global economic confidence.

Last month, the International Monetary Fund cut its growth forecasts for the global economy for this year and next, citing US-China tariffs, US car tariffs and no-deal Brexit.

China's own economic slowdown has weakened demand for foreign goods. It is an important market for Germany, since it buys plenty of luxury cars.

Only the much larger economies of the US and China export more goods than Germany.

The results may make authorities consider more monetary stimulus, said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst for Markets.com.

Meanwhile, the European Central Bank has hinted it could cut interest rates to tackle a slowdown in the eurozone economy.

The ECB said last month that a weak manufacturing sector and uncertainty over Brexit and trade threatened to derail growth. It forecast rates at current or lower levels until mid-2020.