German exports and imports both declined in the first half of this year, trade figures released on Monday showed, underlining the weak position of Europe’s biggest economy. Exports decreased by 1.6% year-on-year to €801.7 billion ($885.2 billion), while imports fell by 6.2% to €662.8 billion. As a result, Germany’s trade balance increased by 28.7% to €138.8 billion. Exports were particularly sluggish in key sectors. The value of exported cars and car parts fell by 2.4% and machinery goods decreased by 4.4%. Exports of chemical products also dropped by 4.4%. The United States remains the bigges…