For the first time since the data was recorded in 1992, Ukraine has officially "changed roles" with Russia to become Germany's largest trading partner - a symbolic milestone for a clear geopolitical shift after Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
This information was announced by economic advisor Vitalii Ivashchuk at the Ukrainian Embassy in Germany during an online discussion with the topic "How the conflict has changed Germany-Ukraine economic relations".
Data cited from the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) shows that in 2024, the total bilateral trade turnover between Ukraine and Germany surpassed Russia - something that has not happened in more than 3 decades.
This reversal has been marked since September 2023, when monthly trade between Ukraine and Germany reached 840 million euros, compared to 770 million euros between Germany and Russia.
Notably, Ukraine's main export portfolio to Germany includes food, metals and metal products, machinery, equipment and means of transport.
The Ukrainian Embassy in Germany said that the rise of bilateral trade is not only the result of Russian sanctions but also a strategic opportunity to rebuild the country. Sectors such as renewable energy, information technology and digital transformation are becoming pillars attracting investment from German enterprises.
The context also shows a clear decline in Russia-Germany trade. Since the conflict broke out in 2022, Germany has reduced its imports from Russia by 95%, causing Russia to drop from 12th to 59th in the list of suppliers to Europe's largest economy.
