Numbers differ, but Russia–Germany trade expands

Numbers differ, but Russia–Germany trade expands

German statistics indicate that Russia's exports to Germany increased 14.1% to €16.2 billion in 2004, while German exports to Russia rose 24% to €15 billion. However, according to Russian statistics, trade turnover between the two countries totaled $23.9 billion (€17.97 billion) in 2004, up 28.8%. Exports rose 27.6% to $13.3 billion (€10 billion), while imports jumped 30.4% to $10.6 billion (€7.97 billion). Currency conversion factors could be one of several reasons for the differences between the two countries' numbers. Russia plays a crucial role in supplying Germany with fuel and energy resources, raw materials and semi-finished products. Russia's natural gas shipments to Germany accounted for 34% of Germany's needs.