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 first shipment of oil from Russia’s Far Eastern Kosmino Port has arrived in Indonesia. The country is prioritizing its internal energy security above sourcing and sanctions issues.
We deep-dive the Russia-North Korea economic partnership and its developments following Madame Choe Son Hui’s visit to Moscow. Bilateral trade and economic integration are rapidly advancing with bilateral trade possibly already close to US$60 billion and significant infrastructure development taking place. We examine the underlying reasons for this unprecedented boom.
The Russia-China auto JV producing Tenet vehicles has just started production in St.Petersburg. The plant has been refitted after US auto maker General Motors pulled out of the Russian market incurring significant losses.
Russia’s online cinema screening service Wink has just entered the Tajik market, with locals able to access over 35,000 movies, TV series and cartoons via subscription.
Russia has extended the visa-free programme for Chinese national until 31st December 2027. 834,460 Chinese tourists visited Russia last year with initial indications of a 138% increase of those numbers during 2026 to date.
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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.
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.
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