EU-27 trade in goods with the Commonwealth of Independent States, 2000–2010

The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) has become a significant trading partner of the EU-27 in recent years, with imports and exports growing from €109.7 billion in 2000 to €322.4 billion in 2010 (+294%). Russia’s weight in the CIS is considerable, accounting for 79% of EU-27 imports from the CIS and 71% of EU-27 exports to the CIS. In 2010, 78% of EU imports from the CIS consisted of ‘Mineral fuels’ (subject to considerable price fluctuations), whereas EU exports were more diversified, albeit with a prominent share of ‘Machinery and transport equipment’ (44%).