Germany's Arms Exports Increased Significantly in the First Half of the Year
Reference News Network reported on July 19 According to the German news television channel website on July 15, the scale of arms exports approved by the German government in the first half of this year has significantly increased compared to the same period last year. According to preliminary data from the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy, from January to June, the approved arms export value reached 13.87 billion euros, more than tripling year-on-year.
This includes approximately 9.6 billion euros in weapons and 4.3 billion euros in other military supplies. The German government stated that before approving arms exports, it would comprehensively consider diplomatic and security policy factors and conduct careful reviews based on specific circumstances.
In the first half of this year, arms worth about 9 billion euros (accounting for more than 60% of total arms exports) flowed to EU or NATO countries and closely allied partners; in the same period last year, this proportion was as high as 83%.
Reports indicate that Ukraine remains the largest buyer, with approved export value reaching 2.5 billion euros. Although the country has received funding and military aid during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, it is still regarded as a so-called "third country." The total value of arms approved for export to third countries by the German government reached 4.9 billion euros.
The United States ranks second, with arms imported from Germany valued at 1.6 billion euros. Following are the Netherlands, Czech Republic, and Lithuania. Israel ranks sixth with nearly 800 million euros.
Latvia is seventh, with an amount of about 500 million euros; Norway, Estonia, and Slovenia follow closely behind, with little difference between them. (Translation/ Zhong Sirui)
Germany's arms exports surged to €13.87 billion in the first half of 2023, a threefold increase from the previous year. The majority of these exports, approximately €9 billion, were directed towards EU or NATO countries, with Ukraine being the largest recipient at €2.5 billion. The German government continues to evaluate arms export approvals based on diplomatic and security policy considerations.
- Germany approved arms exports worth €13.87 billion in the first half of 2023, a threefold increase from last year.
- Approximately €9 billion of military equipment was exported to EU or NATO countries and close partners.
- Ukraine remains the largest buyer with approved exports worth €2.5 billion.
- Germany approved arms exports to third countries totaling €4.9 billion.
- The United States is the second-largest importer of German arms, valued at €1.6 billion.