The Ukrainian analytical center U8 conducted a study of supplies to the Russian Federation of goods manufactured in Germany for the period from April 2024 to March 2025.
The total value of German-made goods supplied to Russia during the indicated 12 months amounted to $9.5 billion ($793 million per month), of which at least $1.7 billion ($142 million per month) consisted of products that were already subject to EU sanctions at the time of delivery.
When recalculated in accordance with U.S. sanctions restrictions, the value of the same goods supplied in circumvention of sanctions amounted to at least $3.1 billion ($261 million per month).
A more detailed analysis for Q1 2025 showed that, despite previous efforts by Western governments and pressure on Turkey, Turkey’s share as a transshipment transit hub once again rebounded and increased to approximately 45% of the total volume of violations involving German sanctioned goods. China ranked second with 8.5%, and Belarus third with 5.5%.
The highest demand in Russia was observed for products from well-known manufacturers such as MERCEDES-BENZ, VOLKSWAGEN, and BMW.
However, High Priority Items were also actively supplied in circumvention of sanctions, including metalworking machine tools manufactured by NSH (NILES-SIMMONS-HEGENSCHEIDT) and DMG MORI, electrical components by WAGO, as well as bearings produced by KRW LEIPZIG (a subsidiary of a Chinese state-owned manufacturer) and SCHAEFFLER.
The report was submitted to the governments of Germany, the EU, other countries of the Democratic coalition, and Ukraine.
We are publishing this news in partnership with the U8 Ukrainian Analytical Center NGO.
This report is produced by U8 Ukrainian Analytical Center NGO with the support of the Askold and Dir Fund as a part of the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine — a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of U8 Ukrainian Analytical Center NGO and can in no way be taken to reflect the views the Government of Norway, the Government of Sweden and ISAR Ednannia.