Finnish imports from Russia increased during the first four months of 2026 despite European Union sanctions, with nickel and ammonia accounting for most of the trade that remains permitted under current restrictions.
Imports from Russia totalled €285 million between January and April, an increase of €15 million, or about 5%, compared with the same period last year, according to Finnish Customs data first reported by Uutissuomalainen.
The figures show that nickel and related products accounted for the largest share of imports by value, while ammonia, used in fertiliser production, represented the largest volume by weight.
Finland continues to import products that are not covered by EU sanctions imposed following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Other goods imported from Russia include sulphur, pharmaceutical ingredients and fertilisers.
Although imports have risen this year, overall trade with Russia remains far below pre-war levels.
Annual imports have fallen from about €9 billion before the invasion to around €1 billion since sanctions were introduced, reflecting the broad restrictions imposed by the European Union over the past four years.
The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs said the continued imports of nickel and ammonia are permitted because neither product is currently subject to EU sanctions.
The ministry also told Uutissuomalainen that Finland supports expanding EU sanctions for as long as Russia continues its war against Ukraine.
The flow of Russian ammonia into Finland has started to decline following the latest round of EU measures.
New sanctions and increased customs duties on Russian rail freight have reduced imports, and Finland stopped importing Russian mineral fertilisers by rail at the beginning of July.
The European Union adopted its 21st package of sanctions against Russia on Thursday. The new measures target Russia's energy, banking and crypto sectors, add more than 200 individuals and entities to the sanctions list, expand restrictions on the shadow fleet and tighten export controls on goods used by Russia's military industry, while introducing further limits on imports of Russian raw materials.
Despite the sanctions regime, Finnish authorities have previously reported cases in which companies attempted to import or export goods that are subject to restrictions.
HT
