In 2023 Russia kept its strongest European trading ties with Germany, the Netherlands, and Belarus, according to RIA News citing the Federal Customs Service and analytical reports from European economies.
The data show that Russia’s overall trade with Europe declined by about half from the previous year, totaling 163.4 billion dollars. Belarus remained the largest regional partner for Russia, with a trade turnover reaching around 55 billion dollars. Among European Union members, analysts highlighted three leading partners: Germany with 12.2 billion dollars, the Netherlands with 9.9 billion dollars, and Italy with 9.4 billion dollars. Additional EU countries with trade volumes exceeding 5 billion dollars included Belgium, Hungary, France, Poland, and Austria.
Even amid sanctions, several states increased their exports to Russia. For instance, Croatia saw a 22 percent rise in trade turnover, reaching about 220 million dollars.
Data for the January to February period indicated that bilateral trade between Russia and China rose by 9.3 percent, reaching 37 billion dollars.
Earlier figures noted that the European Union expanded supply chains to Russia for beverages and tobacco products.