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.
Russia has unveiled its first hydrogen-powered train, one of a only a few countries in the world with this technology. The train is to undergo more testing, and when certified, will go into service in Sakhalin as part of the Russian Far East ‘Hydrogen energy hub’ in late 2027/28.
Russia has recommenced the construction of the Rascht-Astara railway line in northern Iran, a vital connectivity hub from Azerbaijan that will complete and significantly enhance the capacity of the INSTC. The total cost of the project is US$1.8 billion, of which Russia will provide US$1.46 billion. Once completed in 2030, the railway is expected to carry at least 15 million tonnes of freight a year with onward connectivity from Russia to India and South Asia.
The Russian and Turkish Foreign Ministers have met in Baku. We discuss the pressing bilateral trade and investment issues, including nuclear power, tourism, agriculture and trade finance.
We examine the Russia-Paraguay bilateral trade history and current dynamics, and look at the evolving trends. Paraguay is a member of Mercosur in South America with the bloc specifically targeted for foreign trade development as part of Russia’s overall foreign policy.
The 2026 Digital Solutions Forum and the 2nd Global Digital Forums have taken place in Moscow with 1,300 attendees from 111 countries, creating opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, telecommunications, digital infrastructure and software. 170 agreements were signed. Russia’s digital industry generated aggregate turnover exceeded US$250.5 billion in 2025, an increase of nearly 20% year on year, while the communications-services market expanded by 13% to reach US$30 billion. We deep dive the events to showcase where the digital economy in going and which countries are cooperating with Russia in its development. This article is of primary interest to anyone involved in digital economic development in the Global South.
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Russia’s exports of herring to Egypt have undergone a massive surge, from 100 tonnes in H1 2025 to 5,600 tonnes in H1 2026. The fish is a standard ingredient in many Egyptian dishes such as Renga bel Tahini. The overall African demand for herring is expected to triple by 2030.
Russia has completed the ratification of its labor agreement with India, which eases the procedures for hiring temporary employees. It comes as Moscow seeks more Indian workers to address labor shortages, and covers Indians working in Russia and Russians employed in India under employment or service contracts. It also applies to full-time students taking temporary jobs outside their studies.
Russian fintech company A7 has launched the world’s first global payment service that allows customers to make cross-border transactions using cryptocurrency, allowing customers to pay using USDT, while recipients receive conventional bank transfers through SWIFT without having to handle cryptocurrency themselves. The service was launched on October 13. Payments are available in US dollars, euros, Chinese yuan and UAE dirhams and carry a commission of 0.3%. Transfers take just minutes.
The Russian and Abkhazia Foreign Ministers have meet in Moscow for their annual trade evaluation discussions. Bilateral trade is showing strong growth, based on the back of a significantly developing tourism sector, helping Abkhazia develop its own economic strengths without having to rely on Russian aid or loans. Abkhazia’s nominal GDP reached over US$1billion for the first time last year and is continuing to show sustainable increases.
The Russian and South Ossetian Foreign Ministers have met in Moscow to discuss their mutual trade, and South Ossetia’s development. South Ossetia is hampered by a lack of international recognition and relies upon Russia for much of its GDP. However, there are plans in to develop self-sustaining industries such as tourism to allow South Ossetia increasing economic independence. Targets are for the current GDP to increase by 60% by 2030.
Russia’s agricultural exports to South Africa have reached US$53 million in 9M 226, with wheat making up the bulk of the trade, along with instant coffee and millet. Total bilateral trade could exceed US$1 billion for the first time by the end of this year.
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