Russia’s total trade reached about US$745 billion during 2025, also showcasing a significant, albeit shifting, trade surplus of about US$120 billion. In this section we cover all news concerning Russian trade developments, with Russian exporters increasingly reaching out into new markets on a global basis as it pivots away from the West. This is the definitive source on Russian trade. Get the latest data, analysis, and news on Russia’s import/export activities, trade agreements, and increasing commercial partnerships with the Global South.
The 2026 Africa Aerospace And Defense Exhibition has taken place in South Africa, while Egypt has hosted the El Alamein International Airshow. We examine Russia’s significant participation in both these events and what it means for Russia’s military and defence sector exports.
The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov has held 50 meetings while attending the United Nations in New York. We examine each of these, including important discussions with the United States, and Germany and look at the significance of Russia’s expanding international diplomacy and what this means in terms of foreign policy developments and potential outcomes.
Roman Chekushov, the Russian Deputy Industry and Trade Minister, has been meeting with Mohamed Farid, the Egyptian Industry Minister, Khaled Hashem, the Investment and Foreign Trade Minister, Deputy Foreign Minister Wael Hamed and the chairman of the Federation of Egyptian Industries, Mohamed El-Sewedy in Cairo to discuss trade developments. Bilateral trade is up 15.6% in 2026.
Russia’s exports of beef to Turkiye have reached 400 tonnes in H1 2026, in the first data since Russia was permitted to export the meat last year. The next step is to allow Russian exporters direct market access. Beef is used in numerous Turkish dishes including kebabs as well as stews. Per capita consumption is about 20kg per annum.
Georgia’s state-owned Georgian Railways have purchased 200 new freight railcars from Russia’s JSC Roslavl Railcars, in a deal worth the equivalent of US$9.6 million, payable in rubles. The contract also provides for maintenance and repair works. Most of the cars are gondolas used for transporting minerals.
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The Russian taxi ordering service WB Taxi is launching early access for users in Yerevan, Wildberries & Russ (RWB) has announced. Users can download the mobile application and leave a request to connect. In the coming weeks, access to the service will gradually be expanded across Armenia.
The Russian Agroexport Federal Center has held meetings with the Indian Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) in Moscow to discuss legume supplies. These are a popular consumer item in India and a stable food used to make dhals. However, India cannot produce enough and will have a shortfall of about 14 million tonnes by 2030. Russia is looking to fulfill the demand.
Russia has resumed the export of wheat to Burundi after administrative difficulties. The country is a major exporter of bulgar wheat, used in numerous Burundian dishes including the popular Boko Boko Harees. Over 815 tonnes of wheat worth around US$600,000 was shipped in 8M 2026.
The Eurasian Economic Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation have agreed a Joint Action Plan to cover the period 2027-2030. This covers important trade development areas including digitalization, information and communication technologies, customs regulation, agro-industry, food security, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, consumer protection, green-economy issues and information exchange. We deep dive the contents to explain exactly what this means and the impact on EAEU and SCO members.
Russia’s trade with the Global South and ‘friendly’ countries now accounts for 85% of its total, reaching about US$299 billion in H1 2026. The West provides just 15% of Russia’s economic trade and continues to decline. We examine the main Global South trade partners in all regions, and provide the latest H1 2026 trade data. There are some surprising results for those who assume Russia only trades oil with China and India. The non-energy sector on a worldwide basis is increasingly dominant as Global South trade volumes continue a Russian growth trajectory.
Hong Kong has just hosted a Russian business mission, with both local and Russian companies interacting to explore potential for local market and Greater Bay Area penetration for Russian products. Hong Kong is also well positioned to assist Russia exporters access markets in ASEAN. Current Russia-Hong Kong trade hit US$2 billion in H1 2026, while the SAR also providing non-cash financial services to Russian companies trading with China – Hong Kong has handled over 100 tonnes of Russian gold bullion destined for China this year.
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