Trade with 'friendly countries' now exceeds 80% of Russia's total trade volume

European Commission

Russia actively shifted its trade focus away from Europe and the United States, redirecting it toward markets in friendly countries—primarily China, India, Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The share of these countries in Russia's foreign trade has increased from 46% to 82%.

"For the last three years, our trade with friendly countries has increased from 46% to 82%, reaching approximately $550 billion. Currently, more than 85% of our exports are directed to friendly nations, while imports from these countries now account for around 75%,” - stated Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak as 

According to the latest data published by the Federal Customs Service (FCS) on Russia's global trade, total trade turnover for January–April 2025 amounted to $214 billion, a decrease of 2.9% compared to the same period in 2024. Particulatly, exports from Russia fell by 5.9% year-on-year to $128.2 billion, while imports rose by 1.8% to $85.8 billion.

From January to April 2025, Russia's exports to Europe totaled $19.2 billion, marking a decline of 11.0% year-on-year. Exports to Asia stood at $97.6 billion (down 4.1%), to Africa at $6.9 billion (down 11.3%), and to the Americas at $4.3 billion (down 10.4%).

During the same period, imports to Russia from Europe amounted to $21.9 billion, down 1.6%. Imports from Asia rose to $57.5 billion (up 2.4%), from Africa to $1.5 billion (up 35.6%), and from the Americas to $4.8 billion (up 6.7%).

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