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.
Aeroflot has placed another order of 90 MC-21 passenger aircraft from UAC, to be delivered between 2029 and 2032. The aircraft is wholly Russian manufactured, and is designed to carry up to 211 passengers. The order basically means that Aeroflot will have replaced nearly its entire fleet of the 170 Airbus and Boeing aircraft it previously operated or purchased from the EU and the United States.
Russia has been discussing the resumption of direct flights with Japan and South Korea in talks described as ‘complicated’ concerning sanctions and insurance issues. Japan’s bilateral trade with Russia has dropped by nearly US$7 billion per annum since 2022 and South Korea’s by US$9 billion – costing these economies as estimated US$64 billion in trade and their Russian market access since sanctions were imposed.
The 7th Russia-China SME Forum has just taken place in Moscow, with over 1,600 attendees and 800 Russian and Chinese businesses talking part. The even marks a positive shift in the importance of SME’s in the bilateral dynamic. Russia provided nearly US$11.6 billion worth of support to its own SME’s last year, while numerous Chinese SME’s have recently morphed into Unicorns. We examine this important business sector and what it means for developing Russia-China investments in the years to come.
Russia’s agricultural exports to Kazakhstan are up 24% so far in 2026, with supplies of wheat, sugar, sunflower oil, and bread, flour potato and chocolate confectionery products all up 10% each, while bran, barley, live animals, mayonnaise, sauces and pasta products also all showed significant increases.
Iran is hoping to quadruple its fish exports to Russia. The country has a free trade agreement with Russia and is a major exporter of prawns and rainbow trout. Iran exports fish and seafood to 67 countries worldwide despite sanctions, with Russia the third largest importer after Iraq and China.
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The second Russia-Mongolian Regional Forum has just taken place in Ulaanbaatar. With the Mongolia-Eurasian Economic Union trade agreement kicking in and bilateral trade growing at 18% this year, we examine what occurred at the event, the Russian and Mongolian regional pairing, and investments and trade agreements being reached. This article is of primary importance to anyone involved in Mongolian trade.
China’s Jigang Group are planning to invest in developing an Industrial Park in Ussuriysk in the Russian Far East. The company is a major manufacturer of specialised steel products for the aviation manufacturing sector. Russia plans to build 570 domestic passenger aircraft over the coming decade.
Russia and North Korea have resumed ordinary postal services for the first time since 2020. We have a quick look at their respective postal services infrastructure.
Africa’s development potential loomed large over both the recent BRICS and SCO summits, with MoU being signed to better integrate economic development, trade and investment. We examine the increasing links between Africa and Eurasia in a detailed and wide-ranging analysis. This report will be of interest to anyone involved in African development.
Construction has begun to develop the Naida Deep Water Port at Tiksi in the Russian Arctic. This will be part of the China-Russia TransArctic Corridor which connects Northern China’s industrial base to the Russian Arctic and provides faster access to European markets for Chinese exporters.
Russia’s largest Oil Services company, Burservice, previously part of Halliburton, has extensive plans to establish operations in ‘friendly’ countries throughout Africa and Asia. Since Halliburton exited Russia in 2022, Burservice have made record profits and continue to expand.
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