Despite the sanctions, Germany has spent more on imports from Russia than before.

This was reported by Spiegel, citing the Federal Statistical Office.

In the first half of 2022, the total value of imports from Russia rose by 51.3%, to 22.6 billion euros - mainly due to higher oil and gas prices.

Moreover, in terms of volume, imports from Russia fell by 24% compared to the same period of the previous year.

Exports to Russia collapsed.

In the first six months of the year Germany exported goods to Russia for 8.3 billion euros - 34.5% less than in the first half of 2021.

As a result, the surplus of imports in trade with Russia increased manifold: from 2.2 billion to 14.2 billion euros.

Recall that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at a press conference on Thursday supported the revival of the MidCat gas pipeline project from Spain to France, which would help Berlin reduce its dependence on Russian gas in the future.