Slumping exports send Germany's economy into reverse as manufacturers feel tariffs and Brexit uncertainty

Pressure is now growing on Chancellor Angela Merkel to unleash stimulus through fiscal reforms.

German output fell 0.1 percent in the second quarter, the second contraction in four quarters.

Merkel says her country is heading into a difficult phase, and analysts say the GDP report marks the end of a golden decade for the German economy.

The economy minister says Germany is in a phase of economic weakness but not yet in recession.