Destatis released German trade data on Monday. Germany's trade surplus widened to €21.8 billion in December from €17.9 billion in November, exceeding expectations for a rise to €18.2 billion. November's figure was revised up from a surplus of €17.7 billion.

Exports rose 3.4% in December, while imports fell 0.8%.

For 2014 as whole, Germany's trade surplus increased to an annual total of €217 billion, the largest ever trade surplus.

Exports increased 3.7%in 2014, while imports rose 2%.