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 Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has met with Thongsavanh Phomvihane, his Laos counterpart. We discuss the latest trends and data from their rapidly growing bilateral trade and development relationship.
South Korea is developing its Yeosu Gwangyang Port specifically to handle Northern Sea Route logistics, while utilising Russia’s Arctic waters, maritime technology and assistance to develop trade with Northern Europe.
Kazakh President Tokayev has proposed the creation of a digital transport corridor along the busiest Russia-Kazakhstan route, which he says would double its freight transport capacity in this rapidly growing sector.
Russia is proposing a new ‘Water Silk Road’ making use of the Irtysh River, which transits all three countries and empties into the Arctic. Such a route would give China access to the Northern Sea Route.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Foreign Ministers Summit has just concluded in Kyrgyzstan. Russia’s Foreign Minister also had specific meetings with China, Iran, and Pakistan. We discuss the key developments including the potential establishment of an SCO Development Bank.
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The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has held three days of meetings in Manila with all the ASEAN countries, in addition to meetings with India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Brazil and the United States. These took place under the Russia-ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN Regional Forum and the East Asia Summit. We provide detailed analysis of each of these discussions as well as examine the geopolitical and trade dynamics.
Russia’s bilateral trade with Kazakhstan has increased by 15% in the first five months of this year. Russia accounts for 8.8% of Kazakhstan’s exports and 31.6% of its imports.
The Azerbaijan Foreign Minister has been in Moscow to reset diplomatic relations. Azerbaijan is emerging as an important south Caucasian transport and logistics hub linking the Middle East to Europe and looks set to capitalise on this role.
The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has been meeting with the collective Foreign Ministers of ASEAN in Manila, as part of the Russia-ASEAN Foreign Ministers annual summit. Lavrov stated he saw “Very good prospects in food and energy security, the digital transformation, and the platform economy.” We provide the latest trade data.
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.
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