Although West German–Soviet trade has traditionally been viewed as a political issue, its economic salience has increased since detente. If Soviet–German economic relations continue in their present direction, then the economic determinants of these relations will grow. It is therefore important to discuss the economic significance of bilateral trade to both the FRG and the USSR and to analyze the systemic limits to such trade that exist independently of political developments. Naturally, inasmuch as the Soviet and German economic systems are a reflection of their respective political structures, they are ultimately politically determined. However, one can examine the way in which the two economic systems interact as a primarily economic problem. Only by analyzing the economic problems and potentials of German–Soviet trade can the future possibilities for political leverage in these economic relations be analyzed. For, if there are basic economic problems inherent in the bilateral German–Soviet economic relationship, then no amount of political incentives or disincentives can alter the fundamental structural problems of the economic relationship, and these problems can limit the effectiveness of leverage.

The development of West German-Soviet trade, 1970–1980

The normalization of relations between the USSR and the FRG has had a noticeable positive impact on economic relations.