Russian exports to friendly countries exceed 85%, imports from these countries around 75% - deputy PM

MOSCOW. July 3 (Interfax) - The share of friendly countries in Russia's foreign trade has increased from 46% to 82% over the past three years, including more than 85% of export deliveries now going to these countries, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said during the strategic session "Training personnel in foreign economic activity to achieve national development goals."

"As for the target indicators, I would like to note that our trade with friendly countries has grown over the past three years from 46% to 82% and has reached about $550 billion. Today, our exports are reoriented to friendly countries more than 85%. As for imports, they already account for around 75%," Novak said.

"Russia in recent years has actively redirected its trade from Europe and the U.S. to the markets of friendly countries. This primarily includes China, India, Central Asian countries, Africa and the Middle East. All this now allows us to expand our geographic reach and strengthen economic integration," he said.

In addition, non-resource, non-energy exports occupy a growing share in the structure of Russia's foreign trade, he said.

According to the latest published data from the Federal Customs Service (FCS) on exports and imports, Russia's foreign trade turnover in January-April 2025 amounted to $213.9 billion, down 2.9% compared to January-April 2024. Exports of goods from Russia in January-April 2025 decreased 5.9% year-on-year to $128.2 billion, while imports grew 1.8% to $84.2 billion.

Exports of goods from Russia to Europe in January-April 2025 amounted to $19.2 billion, down 11.0%; to Asia - $97.6 billion, down 4.1%; to Africa - $6.9 billion, down 11.3% and to the Americas - $4.3 billion, down 10.4%. Imports to Russia from Europe in January-April 2025 totaled $21.9 billion, down 1.6%; from Asia - $57.5 billion, up 2.4%; from Africa - $1.5 billion, up 35.6% and from the Americas - $4.8 billion, up 6.7%.

As reported, Russia's positive foreign trade balance amounted to $150.9 billion in 2024, up 7.8% from the figure for 2023 ($140.0 billion). Exports of goods from Russia in 2024 increased 2.0% YoY to $433.9 billion, while imports decreased 0.8% to $283.0 billion.