Dutch exports to Russia fell by 38% or €3.7 billion last year, following the imposition of sanctions in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.

In particular, the Netherlands exported fewer trucks and other vehicles, flowers, plants and medicines, the CBS said.

The biggest dip was in the export of semi-conductors and microchips, both of which are on the sanctions list and are first imported and then exported via the Netherlands.

Dutch imports of Russian goods rose in value by 13% to €21 billion because of the rising price of fuel such as gas and oil.

Russia remains the Netherlands’ most important source of crude oil although imports were down by almost 14% to €6.2 billion following the imposition of sanctions in March, the CBS said.

More crude oil was sourced instead from Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and the US.

The import of wood, iron and steel, which are on the European Union sanctions list, also fell sharply.