A year ago in October, Germany's trade surplus stood at $16.5 billion. the Federal Statistical Office said.

Germany exported $115 billion worth of goods and services in October, while importing $96.2 billion. From the previous month, exports fell 1.1 percent, while imports rose 0.3 percent.

The government said Germany exported $70.1 billion in goods and services to members of the European Union in October, while imports from member states reached $62.3 billion.

Germany's surplus, especially in trading on the continent, has been a bone of contention in the past year, as EU member states, such as Greece and Ireland, have reached out for international aid while failing to stage an economic recovery. Weaker economies of the eurozone have undermined the value of the euro, but that gives a price advantage to nations such as Germany that rely on exports to countries outside the eurozone.

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