German Imports From Russia Plunge 96% Since 2021, but Exports Still Top €3 Billion

Germany's imports of Russian goods experienced a steep decline in the first half of 2026, dropping to €500 million ($540 million) compared to €15 billion ($16.2 billion) during the same period in 2021.

According to data from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), this represents a 96.4% reduction in imports over five years, as reported by Deutsche Welle.

The sharp drop in bilateral trade follows Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, after which Russian pipeline gas deliveries to Germany stopped and the EU banned most imports of Russian oil.

Despite the steep overall reduction, select commercial exchanges between the two nations have continued. German exports to Russia reached €3.4 billion ($3.67 billion) during the first six months of 2026, Deutsche Welle reported.

While this amount is significantly lower than pre-invasion levels, representing approximately one-quarter of the volume recorded during the same period in 2021, it is still nearly seven times the value of German imports from Russia.

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Pharmaceutical products accounted for more than 40% of all German exports sent to Russia. Germany also exported machinery, industrial equipment, food products, and animal feed to Russia, though in reduced quantities. Medicines and food are largely exempt from EU sanctions.

Earlier, several German banks reportedly froze or restricted accounts belonging to Russian citizens and dual nationals, citing sanctions compliance and money laundering concerns, with some long-term residents asked to provide additional proof of residency or citizenship.

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