Merkel’s economy minister claims Germany will ‘be the WINNER’ after Brexit

Brigitte Zypries celebrated an exodus of business headquarters from the UK to as she presented growth forecasts for the economy.

She said: “I expect [Germany] will, of course, have problems with trade … but it will not be so hard for Europe as for Britain.

“Many companies are moving their headquarters from the UK to Germany.

“Germany is doing well and the next government must ensure that it continues to do so.”

However the forecasts had been revised as Germany takes an increasingly pessimistic view of its economy post-Brexit.

It comes as Germany’s largest industry group, the BDI, has warned companies to prepare for a “very hard Brexit”.

BDI managing director Joachim Lang said: “Businesses must take precautions for the emergency case of a very hard Brexit. Everything else would be naïve.”

Germany’s post-Brexit trade problems have already begun as exports to Britain from the Saarland in the first half of 2017.

The region’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce said this was a direct result of Britain’s decision to leave the EU.

Bosses fear trade could be hit harder unless Britain and Brussels can agree a free-trade deal before March 2019.

Car exports to Britain are a major source of income for the Saarland, where almost 50% of industrial workplaces are related to automotive manufacturing.

Britain has been the Saarland’s most important trading partner since 2012 and last year alone goods worth more than £2billion were shipped to the UK.

Manufacturers there will need a smooth transition as Britain leaves the EU to ensure continuing trade.