According to latest Shanghai Customs data, Shanghais exports to Russia in April 2024 totaled $333 million, down 19% year-on-year. Following Marchs 21.7% decline, this further significant drop reflects sanctions profound impact on Shanghai-Russia trade. Affected by March and April declines, Shanghais January-April exports to Russia reached $1.485 billion, up just 2.2% year-on-year. In RMB terms, April exports were 2.28 billion yuan, down 16.5%.

Analysis indicates that this downward trend is closely related to Executive Order 14114, issued by the United States on December 22, 2023. The order expands sanctions authority over foreign financial institutions that facilitate "significant transactions" related to Russia's military-industrial base and allows the U.S. to sanction banks assisting in the sale of certain "critical items" to Russia. Following the issuance of the executive order, many international banks tightened trade settlements with Russia to mitigate risks. This directly led to difficulties in settling trade between China and Russia, thereby impacting actual trade volumes.

As Chinas key international trade hub, Shanghais declining Russia trade reflects sanctions profound impact on bilateral economic exchanges. April 2024 exports to Russia were $333 million, down 19%, following Marchs 21.7% decline, showing two consecutive months of significant drops. Consequently, January-April exports grew just 2.2% to $1.485 billion.

RMB-denominated trade figures are equally concerning. April exports were 2.28 billion yuan, down 16.5%. This downward trend pressures Shanghais Russia exports and negatively impacts the overall economy.

Sanction implementation has made China-Russia trade settlements more complex and difficult. Many international banks tightened Russia-related settlements post-order, causing payment and settlement difficulties for Shanghai exporters, further hindering trade growth.

This situation directly affects Shanghai exporters and poses new challenges for the financial system. Banks must exercise extreme caution in Russia-related transactions to avoid sanctions violations, increasing transaction costs and timelines while compressing corporate profit margins.

Facing sanctions and settlement difficulties, Shanghai companies must adopt multiple strategies. First, strengthen research into sanction policies to ensure compliance. Second, diversify market presence to reduce single-market dependence. Third, enhance communication with banks to identify secure settlement channels.

Additionally, companies can explore cooperation opportunities in non-sanctioned sectors like agriculture, healthcare and education to expand trade depth and breadth.