German industrial orders drop unexpectedly in December

BERLIN (Reuters) - German industrial orders fell unexpectedly on weak foreign demand in December, data showed on Wednesday, in a further sign that companies in Europe's largest economy are struggling with a slowing world economy and trade disputes.

Contracts for 'Made in Germany' goods were down by 1.6 percent - substantially weaker than the 0.3 percent rise economists had forecast - after an upwardly revised drop of 0.2 percent in the previous month, the Federal Statistics Office said.

(Reporting by Michael Nienaber; editing by Thomas Seythal)