Germany sees 94.6% drop in Russian imports compared to pre-war trade
Russian exports to Germany dropped by 94.6% to €1.8 billion ($2.05 billion) last year compared to levels seen in 2021, as sanctions imposed over the invasion of Ukraine have mostly curbed trade, the federal statistical agency reported on Wednesday.
Prior to the war launched by Moscow on February 24, 2022, - and the 17 EU sanctions packages passed - Germany imported Russian goods worth €33.1 billion in 2021.
German exports to Russia were down 71.6% last year compared to 2021, trading goods worth €7.6 billion.
The 17th EU sanctions package aimed at disturbing the Russian war effort came into force in May, as Russian attacks on Ukraine continue unabated.
It includes a further tightening of restrictions on Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" used to transport oil and oil products.
An 18th package of sanctions is already in the works.
Russia's share of total imports to Germany fell to just over 0.1% in 2024, down from 2.8% in 2021.
At the same time, Russia accounted for only 0.5% of all German exports last year, down from 1.9% in 2021.
Until the second half of 2022, Russia was an important energy supplier for Germany, but as of last year, main exports to Germany include metals, chemical products, food and animal feed.
Conversely, Germany mainly supplied pharmaceutical and chemical products as well as machinery last year.
The EU as a whole has also significantly reduced its trade with Russia.
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