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 Russian President, Vladimir Putin, and Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, have met with the North Korean Foreign Minister, Madame Choe Son Hui in Moscow. We discuss what was said as both countries engage in mutual defence and trade.
The Hong Kong shipping line Sealegend is to launch the first regular summer shipping service from China to Europe, transiting Russia’s Northern Sea Route. It is the first time a scheduled service is to be operated along the NSR and cuts the journey down by 50%, saving time and money.
Rosatom’s CEO, Alexey Likhachev, has forecast a record cargo transit of forty million tonnes along Northern Sea Route in 2026, an increase of about 10% above 2025 figures. Rosatom is responsible for managing the route and provides nuclear-powered icebreakers to assist with the transit.
We review the Russia-Latin America Strategic Cooperation Forum (CORAL 2026) which has just taken place in Sao Paulo. Participants included Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Chile, Venezuela, Paraguay, Ecuador and Russia in what was an important regional trade development event. We provide a country by country analysis and the latest Russia-Latin America trade intelligence.
Russia’s VTB bank has opened a QR code payments system in Argentina, which allows Russians to make commercial transactions in the country while bypassing SWIFT. Other rollouts in Latin American countries are expected.
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Russia’s exports of agricultural products to China has grown 41% in H1 2026, with organic produce very much a growth development market. We look at the Chinese consumer trends and Russia’s organic certification processes.
Russia, China and 27 other global south countries have signed up to form the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, with a mandate to strengthen international cooperation and global governance in artificial intelligence and share development expertise. We detail the members and examine the stated goals.
The Chinese government have threatened to retaliate if the United States imposes 100% tariffs on its exports as punishment for purchasing Russian crude oil. We examine the implications.
Russia and Egypt have agreed on the operational and management partner for the Russian Investment Zone at Port Said. Russia’s Crystal Fund will provide incentives for Russian manufacturers to establish operations in the zone, with the zone itself also tax and other benefits.
The Russian gold merchant MGKL is to establish an office in GIFT City, Gujarat, where they will provide automated terminals for contactless appraisal, purchase and sale of physical gold and silver, the first time such a service has been provided in the country.
Russia has reached an agreement with India concerning the use of the Northern Sea Route for maritime cargo. The NSR is a shorter route for Indian energy supplies than the Suez Canal.
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