German manufacturing remained weak for most part of 2019, mainly due to the automobile sector that struggled to emerge from the slowdown that began after the introduction of WLTP emissions test in September 2018. Weaker demand for exports also contributed to the sluggishness. However, things started looking up towards the end of the year. In 2019, the manufacturing industry shrunk 3.6 percent after a 1.5 percent expansion in 2018.The German economy ministry said the weak phase in industry has not yet been overcome, but there are positive signals.