Russia, Azerbaijan Discuss Agricultural Cooperation & Trade: Development Analysis

The Russian Agriculture Minister, Oksana Lut, has been holding bilateral discussions with Azerbaijani Deputy Agriculture Minister Elchin Zeynalov. Lut said that “Russia is interested in increasing and diversifying mutual supplies of agricultural goods. This applies to grain, oil, and fat products, fish and seafood, as well as fertilizers. Cooperation in the field of selection and seed production is a promising area. This is especially important for strengthening the food security and technological sovereignty of the two countries.”

The two ministers also discussed animal disease control, as well as opportunities for expanding supplies of Russian veterinary products to the Azerbaijani market. Both Russia and Azerbaijan are members of the Commonwealth of Independent States and have trade agreements between them. Azerbaijan has also indicated it would like to join the BRICS group.

Last year, Russia’s agricultural exports to Azerbaijan were worth about US$785 million, a 7% increase year-on-year. Azerbaijan’s agricultural exports to Russia in 2024 were worth about US$707 million. Overall bilateral agricultural trade has grown, with Russia exporting significant amounts of wheat, sunflower oil, and sugar, while Azerbaijan’s key exports to Russia include tomatoes, fruits (such as persimmons and apples), and hazelnuts.

Overall bilateral trade during 2025 has grown by an estimated 5%, with this trend likely to continue as connectivity between the two countries improves. This includes both shipping and railway developments.

Azerbaijan is also developing as a transit hub for Russian agricultural exports to other markets along the International North-South Transport Corridor, and onward to other markets west to Armenia Georgia and Turkiye, and south to Iran, the Middle East, India and East Africa.