Germany's arms exports saw a dramatic decline in the first quarter of 2025, with the total value dropping by 71% compared to the same period in 2024. According to the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, the government approved arms and military equipment exports worth only €1.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025. This marks a stark contrast to the €5.2 billion in sales during the first quarter of 2024.
The significant reduction in arms exports is seen as a result of stricter regulations and a shift in foreign policy regarding military sales. The decrease in export volume is also attributed to an overall tightening of controls over Germany's military trade.
Ukraine remains Germany's largest customer, receiving military equipment worth €573 million, while other notable buyers included Qatar (€166.6 million), Estonia (€112 million), and Slovakia (€66.7 million). Despite the heavy focus on Ukraine, which is in an ongoing conflict with Russia, sales to Israel, which had previously been a significant recipient, plummeted to €28 million in Q1 2025, compared to €161.1 million in the same period of 2024.
This downturn in arms exports follows Germany's record-breaking arms trade of €13.33 billion in 2024, a sharp increase from €12.13 billion in 2023. The first-quarter results of 2025 signal a potential shift in the global arms market and the geopolitical landscape influencing these decisions.
