Exports to Russia decreased in April 2022 by 58 per cent, but value of imports increased by three per cent

The value of Finland’s exports of goods to Russia decreased 58 per cent in April 2022 in comparison to the corresponding period in 2021, as indicated by the preliminary international trade in goods statistics compiled by Finnish Customs. The value of exports amounted to 144.3 million euros. The value of Finland’s imports from Russia increased by three per cent in April to slightly over 0.5 billion euros. In comparison to March 2022 the value of exports diminished by 22 per cent and the value of imports by 47 per cent.

When measured in euros, the most significant drop (-61.6 MEUR and -83 %) occurred in the CN category of machinery and mechanical appliances and parts thereof, on which the EU has placed the majority of export sanctions. In terms of percentage, a similar drop took place in the category of electrical equipment and parts thereof, also subject to a significant number of EU export sanctions.

Also in terms of percentage, the value of oil product exports decreased the most, by 95 per cent. Exports declined in almost all other goods categories as well, apart from exports of copper mattes which increased by 16 per cent from 2021. The share of copper mattes in Finland’s exports to Russia was as high as 57 per cent in April.

The value of crude oil imports decreased by 62 per cent and the import quantity of by 68 per cent. Compared to March 2022 crude oil imports from Russia dropped by 70 per cent. Import of crude oil has mainly been replaced with import from Norway. Imports of wood from Russia decreased by 70 per cent in April when imports of raw wood from Russia finished in March. Imports of sawn timber (8.1 MEUR) and firewood (2.5 MEUR) has continued. A notable increase in imports of nickel and nickel goods occurred in April. Their value increased by 53.2 million euros and 72 per cent in comparison with last year. The import quantity of nickel and nickel goods rose also significantly.

The highest increase occurred in the value of natural gas imports; 73.9 million euros and 333 per cent. The price of natural gas has multiplied compared to last year. The value of electrical energy imports increased 43.1 million euros and 295 per cent in April. The value of oil product imports increased only 19 percent. The quantity of imports decreased by a third.

– In April, imports from Russia reduced almost by half compared to March. There was a significant drop in crude oil imports. Preliminary reports from our customs clearance systems indicate that, in May, also nickel mattes imports from Russia decreased and amounted to 42.9 million euros and imports of nickel mattes amounted to 126.9 million euros. In May, imports from Russia decreased further, for example no crude oil was imported from Russia in May, says Mr Olli-Pekka Penttilä, Director of Statistics.

Up-to-date traffic information for the Finnish-Russian border

During weeks 1-9/2022, an average of about 22 vessels per week arrived in Finland from Russian ports. During weeks 19-22/2022, the average dropped to eight vessels. During the last four weeks, 76 per cent fewer vessels arrived from Russian ports compared to previous year. The embargo on Russian ships that began on 17 April 2022 has had only a slight impact on Finland’s imports, as only a few ships registered in Russia arrived in Finland during early 2022. In May 2022 only one Russian vessel arrived loaded with soya.

At the Finnish-Russian border, during April 2022, the arrivals of loaded train cars dropped by 65 per cent from corresponding period last year. The number was 7 973 loaded train cars. In May 2022, the number of loaded train cars dropped by 70 per cent from last year and 6 829 loaded train cars arrived in Finland from Russia. Departures of loaded train cars to Russia decreased by 49 per cent in April and 41 percent in May. There is no air traffic between Finland and Russia anymore.

The average weekly number of trucks arriving at the three main border crossing points on the Finnish-Russian border, namely Vainikkala, Imatra and Nuijamaa, was 3 175, whereas during weeks 19-22 the average number of trucks was 1 175. Since Saturday 9 April 2022 on week 14, Finnish Customs has turned back all commercial transports carried by vehicles registered in Russia and Belarus. The transports has been replaced by vehicles registered in Finland and in some extent to vehicles registered in Baltic countries.

The numbers in tables 1 and 2 comprise preliminary data, and changes may occur as data is completed.