German industrial output unchanged in May

The output of German industry in May remained at the same level as in previous month, but the overall trend remained upward, official data showed on Tuesday.

The stagnation came after a monthly increase of 0.6 percent in April, said German federal statistical office Destatis.

Manufacturing production in May increased by 0.4 percent, while energy production dropped by 3.1 percent and the production of construction fell by 0.5 percent.

German Federal Economy Ministry, however, remained confident in the economy.

"The manufacturing sector continues its upward trend," it said in a statement, adding that "the industrial activity seems to be firming."

In a two-month comparison, industrial output in April and May was 0.5 percent higher than the average of the first quarter, the ministry said.