Export sales volume for Russian software companies fell by approximately 12 to 17 percent in 2022, landing at around 8.4 billion dollars. This assessment comes from Kommersant, citing the press service of Russoft, the association that unites firms involved in software development. The association representatives attributed the decline to sanctions that pushed many Russian software providers out of European and American markets, forcing them to recalibrate their export strategies.
Sergey Ozhegov, the chief executive officer of SearchInform, noted that even before these sanctions, selling into European and American markets had always been challenging for Russian software firms. In 2022, interest from those regions waned further, accelerating the shift in export focus. Russoft documented a clear response: developers redirected attention toward the Commonwealth of Independent States, along with growing demand from South and East Asia and the Middle East. There is also observable momentum toward African and South American markets as companies seek diversification in client bases.
Analysts from business and employment platforms have added context to the trend. In mid-February, Vedomosti reported results from a HeadHunter study indicating that by the end of 2022, sales managers, programmers, and developers led the gains in average monthly salaries within the Russian labor market. The higher compensation reflect the ongoing demand for technical skills, even as export trajectories evolved and firms explored new geographic opportunities. This dynamic occurred alongside broader shifts in global tech supply chains and regional demand patterns, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of Russian software companies in a constrained international environment. [Citations: Kommersant; Russoft; SearchInform; HeadHunter; Vedomosti]
Industry observers emphasize that the downturn in export volumes did not equal a collapse in capability. Rather, it highlighted strategic recalibration: firms pursued markets with fewer barriers and clearer demand signals, invested in talent retention and upskilling, and sought partnerships that could bridge regulatory and logistical gaps. As sanctions redefined competitive advantages, many developers strengthened service offerings, including risk management, cybersecurity, cloud migration, and localization for non-Western markets. The evolving landscape also encouraged government and industry bodies to coordinate export support, export credit facilities, and information sharing about market opportunities in faster-growing regions. [Citations: Kommersant; Russoft; SearchInform]
Looking ahead, analysts expect gradual recovery in selected sectors where Russian software remains competitive, particularly in sectors requiring specialized expertise and cost-effective scalable solutions. While traditional markets in Europe and North America may remain restricted for some players, diversification strategies could yield lasting resilience. The combined effect of sanctions, market realignments, and a widening global demand for digital services is shaping a new map for Russian software exports, one that prioritizes geographic breadth, enhanced value propositions, and stronger integration with regional partners. [Citations: Russoft; HeadHunter; Vedomosti]