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.

Eritrea Relations
Featured November 2, 2026

Russia, Eritrea Bilateral Relations & Trade Development: October 2026 Update

The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has met with Isaias Afwerki, the President of Eritrea at the Kremlin, on the sidelines of the 2026 Russia–Africa Summit. Russia is poised to make investments in Eritrean ports as Moscow has entered into talks to set up a logistics centre in the country, although it must balance this against its relations with Ethiopia, a full BRICS member, with whom Eritrea is at war. 2025 Russia-Eritrea bilateral trade reached US$13.5 million in 2025, with most of this being Russian exports of grains and fertilizers. We examine the geopolitical and trade development issues.

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Brazil Exports
Featured November 2, 2026

Brazil To Increase Exports To Russia After Lula’s Presidential Win: Brazilian Export Potential Analysis 

The Brazilian Ambassador to Russia, Sergio Rodrigues dos Santos, has said that Brazil is looking to deepen its cooperation with Russia during the fourth presidential term of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was re-elected to the post last week. Bilateral trade reached nearly US$9 billion in 9M 2026, with Brazil wanting to export more produce to Russia.

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Japan Bilateral Relations
November 2, 2026

Russia, Japan Bilateral Relations: October 2026 Update

The Russian and Japanese Foreign Ministers have met in the United States at the request of Japan, the second meeting in two months. Coming after Russian President Putin spoke with the Prime Ministers of Finland and Norway last week, there appears to be a new trend of Russia’s neighbours wanting to discuss political issues, suggesting that new regional security protocols are being considered.

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Russia SADC
November 1, 2026

Russia, Southern African Development Community Sign Action Plan On Cooperation: Details & Analysis 

Russia has signed a Joint Development Action Plan with the Southern African Development Community. The SADC has a collective population of about 406 million, a combined GDP (PPP) of US$2.62 trillion, and a projected combined 2026 GDP growth rate of 3.2%, according to the IMF. Current bilateral trade with these 16 southern African nations is just a collective US$2 billion per annum, however the Action Plan contains development programmes to substantially improve this. We examine the plan and look into the implications. This article is of substantial interest to anyone in the Russia-Southern Africa trade and development sector.

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Africa Summit
October 31, 2026

The 2026 Russia-Africa Summit: Key Discussions, Deals & Agreements

The 2026 Russia-Africa Summit has concluded in Moscow, with 22 African Heads of State and delegations from 48 African countries attending. We outline the key discussions, on-going negotiations and investment plans being made in agriculture, LNG, nuclear power, mining, finance, communications, public health and foreign policy strategy. It is essential reading for anyone involved in Russia and African geopolitical and trade development.

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Sudan Bilateral Relations
October 31, 2026

Russia, Sudan Bilateral Relations: October 2026 Update

Russian President Putin has met with Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council during the 2026 Russia–Africa Summit. Sudan is currently fighting a civil war, and has turned to Russia for military, security and infrastructure development assistance. We discuss the current status of the joint Port Sudan project on the Red Sea, Sudan’s energy sector, and other bilateral developments as Moscow positions itself for further involvement in the Sudanese economy and regional logistics.

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Mali Investment
October 31, 2026

Russia, Mali Bilateral Trade & Investment Relations: October 2026 Update

Russian President Putin has met with Assimi Goita, the Interim President of Mali during the 2026 Russia–Africa Summit. Russian investment is underway in the security, energy, nuclear power, mining, agricultural and vehicle manufacturing sectors, while Moscow is also involved in assisting Bamako fight Islamic insurgents supported by France. We examine the current bilateral security, trade and investment dynamics.

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