Add details on trade, industrial output

BERLIN, May 8 (Reuters) - German exports rose unexpectedly in March while industrial output fell despite a forecast rise, official data showed on Friday.

German exports increased by 0.5% in March compared with the previous month, lifted by shipments to other European Union countries, according to the federal statistics office. Analysts polled by Reuters had expected a 1.7% decrease.

Imports surged in March, rising 5.1% compared with expectations of only a 0.8% increase.

Most imports came from China, accounting for goods worth 15.6 billion euros ($18.31 billion) and marking a 4.9% increase on the month.

On the flip side, Germany's industrial production unexpectedly fell in March, dropping 0.7% on the month, against expectations of a 0.5% increase.

The statistics office attributed the decrease to a drop in energy production and in machinery and equipment manufacturing.

($1 = 0.8519 euros)