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 President, Vladimir Putin has met with John Dramani Mahama, the President of Ghana during the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit. Bilateral trade has grown by 6% this year. We deep-dive the bilateral relationship, examining port and rail infrastructure developments, mining, nuclear power, agriculture, regional security and student exchanges.
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.
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.
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.
Russian President Putin has met with Madagascar President Michael Randrianirina in Moscow as part of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit. The two sides are discussing an upcoming partnership agreement, while agricultural trade is booming and grew by 80% in the first nine months of 2026. We examine the current bilateral trade and investment trends.
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Algeria is Russia’s second largest trade partner in Africa, and a partner state with the BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Bilateral trade is up 20% this year with a target to reach US$10 billion by 2030. We examine the bilateral trade and investment development trends.
Russian President Putin has given the Penary Speech at the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit, at which 46 African government and business delegations are attending. Putin called for more commerce and investment in Africa, noting that trade with Russia had risen by 50% over the past three years. We examine the key points in his comments.
The director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of Partnership with Africa, Tatyana Dovgalenko, has been meeting with the Economic Ministers of the Sahel countries – Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. She said that the common tasks for the countries at present are stimulating investment growth and launching infrastructure initiatives in line with the needs of the Alliance of Sahel States countries in the energy, agriculture, logistics and extractive industries.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government have been meeting in Dushanbe to discuss a 2026-2030 trade cooperation roadmap, plans for a digital freight platform and industrial investment-project database, and renewed efforts to establish an SCO Development Bank. Together, these initiatives aim to build on existing trade flows and expand cross-border infrastructure, investment and industrial cooperation. We identify what decisions were made and the implications. This article is of primary interest to anyone involved in Eurasian development and geopolitics.
Russian President Putin has said that Russia and the United States are preparing to work together in future LNG projects to supply global markets. US President Trump has apparently endorsed this position by stating that the United States will work with Russia once the Ukraine conflict ends.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Novatek is reportedly in discussions to help develop the Polar LNG in Alaska as it has technologies that the United States does not, suggesting that cooperation and joint investment is already being planned.
Russian President Putin has stated that Russia and Qatar can coordinate their respective LNG production and supplies to meet global demand. The two countries are the world’s second and third largest exporters. This should be good news for Europe – however Qatar cannot export due to problems in the Strait of Hormuz while the EU has stated it will cease buying Russian LNG from January. EU reserves are now at their lowest point while LNG prices have tripled this year. Europe now buys most of its LNG from the United States, providing an economic reason to prolong the war with Iran and keep Europe buying US supplies.
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