EU Sanctions Dramatically Reduce Germany-Russia Trade and Economic Ties by 2026

The ongoing EU sanctions against Russia, implemented over 21 packages since February 2022, have profoundly reshaped trade and business relationships between Germany and Russia, according to recent data. In the first half of 2026, German imports from Russia plummeted by 96.4%, decreasing from 15 billion euros in 2021 to just over 500 million euros. German exports to Russia also dropped sharply by 73%, falling from nearly 13 billion euros to slightly above 3 billion euros in the same period.

This drastic reduction marks a significant shift in the trade structure: while oil and gas previously dominated imports, the main goods now include food products, metals, chemicals, and pharmaceutical items, with pharmaceuticals accounting for over 40% of German exports to Russia.

The sanctions' impact extends beyond trade volumes. The number of Russian-controlled companies in Germany shrank from 229 in 2021 to 76 in 2024, with revenues declining from 25.4 billion euros to 8.4 billion euros. Meanwhile, German companies operating in Russia fell from 481 to 290, with their revenues reduced by two-thirds to 13 billion euros. Travel between the two countries also saw dramatic declines; direct flights have nearly ceased, causing a 95.9% drop in passenger numbers compared to 2019 levels. Additionally, migration trends reversed with more Russians leaving Germany than arriving, and Russian student enrollment in German universities decreased by 40% from 2021 to 2025.

The data reveals the broad and deep influence of EU sanctions on German-Russian economic and social connections. These sanctions have not only curtailed traditional trade of energy commodities but have also shifted the pattern of exports and imports, significantly limited business operations, and reduced people-to-people exchanges via travel and migration.

This comprehensive transformation underscores how sanctions continue to reshape bilateral relations amid the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict, fundamentally altering the economic landscape between Germany and Russia through 2026.