Economic growth in the eurozone slowed in Q1 as US threats of tariffs on steel and aluminium imports stoked fears of a trade war. The European Central Bank (ECB) cut interest rates to record lows last month after it said that inflation was likely to remain below 2% for some time. In Germany, the eurozone's largest economy, growth halved to 0.3%. Declines caused by a drop in exports were pared by higher household consumption and increased investment.
Economic growth in the eurozone slowed in Q1 as US threats of tariffs on steel and aluminium imports stoked fears of a trade war. Output in the 19-country bloc expanded 0.4% from 0.7% in Q4 2017, according to Eurostat. In Germany, the eurozone's largest economy, growth halved to 0.3%. Declines caused by a drop in exports were pared by higher household consumption and increased investment.