Trade News & Analysis

Trade

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.

EEF Forum
Featured September 8, 2026

The 2026 Eastern Economic Forum: Results, Signed Agreements & Analysis

The Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok has concluded with a huge US$79 billion worth of agreements signed. With significant delegations from China, India, South Korea, Japan, Mongolia and the ASEAN countries all involved, we deep dive what investments are being made and where, the status of the announced deals, and the overall impact this significant event will have on the Russian Far East’s integration into the rest of Asia – as well as the issues to overcome. This is essential reading for anyone involved in East Asian affairs.

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Featured September 7, 2026

Russia, North Korea Road Bridge Opens

Russia and North Korea have opened a new road bridge across the Tumen River that is capable of processing 300 vehicles and 2,300 cross-border travellers every day. It significantly improves bilateral trade connectivity.

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SCO Summit
September 5, 2026

What Russia Gained From The 2026 SCO Summit: Results & Analysis

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation annual Heads of State summit has now ended, with a major emphasis on trade development. We provide a deep-dive analysis on the 29 agreements signed, including in the security, AI, energy, environment, trade, tourism, diplomatic relations and the SCO’s institutional development sectors. With the SCO possessing nearly a third of global GDP and 50% of the world’s population, this report will be of significant interest to anyone involved in Eurasian affairs.

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Philippines
September 4, 2026

VTB Launches QR Code Payments System In Indonesia and The Philippines

Russia’s VTB bank has launched its QR code payment service to Indonesia and the Philippines. Both are increasingly popular with Russian tourists, with the system avoiding Western payment mechanisms with direct debit from Russian clients’ ruble bank accounts at the prevailing exchange rate from the relevant local store in rupiah or pesos. There is no commission on the transaction.

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