The Federal Customs Service has identified the countries that ranked among Russia’s ten largest trading partners in the period from January to October last year, according to RBC. The figures reveal a clear hierarchy in Moscow’s external commerce and underscore how Asia, Europe, and neighboring economies shape Russia’s trade patterns.
China sits at the top, accounting for about one third of Russia’s trade turnover. The share stands at 33.8 percent, placing Beijing well ahead of all others. India accounts for 8.8 percent and Türkiye for 8.3 percent, occupying second and third places. Belarus and Kazakhstan follow with shares of 7.1 percent and 4 percent respectively. The next group includes South Korea at 2.1 percent, Germany and Armenia at 1.8 percent each, Italy at 1.5 percent, and Uzbekistan at 1.4 percent.
Customs estimates put Russia’s total trade turnover at 584 billion dollars, with about 197 billion from China, 51 billion from India, 48 billion from Türkiye, and 41 billion from Belarus. These figures illustrate how a broad mix of partners anchors Russia’s external flows, and they echo the patterns seen in prior years, where the top three partners remained largely unchanged in the early months of the year.
In November, data through September showed Italy as Russia’s leading trading partner among European Union countries. Before this shift, Germany held that position for six months, signaling ongoing rebalancing within the EU’s Russia trade landscape and highlighting how Italian demand and supply dynamics can influence the overall EU fold.
Russian officials have framed the partnership with these key countries as central to the country’s economic strategy. The China connection is particularly strong, encompassing a wide range of goods and mutual investments, while partnerships with India and Türkiye reflect growing cooperation across supply chains, energy, and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the EU map shows a dynamic pattern, with Italy rising in importance while Germany’s early lead faded, indicating how sanctions, energy markets, and transport routes continue to shape trade choices. The overall view is that Russia’s external market remains diversified and practical, seeking to preserve robust flows with multiple regions while adapting to changing geopolitical realities.
The data also highlight how China functions not only as a supplier but as a major gateway in regional and global supply chains. Its dominant position influences shipping lanes, port activity, and the kinds of goods that move through European and Asian corridors. India and Türkiye appear as growing links that broaden Russia’s sourcing and export routes, supporting a more varied industrial and energy portfolio. Belarus and Kazakhstan reflect the enduring importance of near-border trade and regional transit routes that help move commodities and finished products more efficiently. Within Europe, Italy’s rise signals a shift in the EU’s Russia trade balance, even as Germany maintains substantial ties from the earlier months of the year. Together, these patterns illustrate a pragmatic approach to maintaining stable growth in external trade across diverse markets while navigating a complex geopolitical environment.
Overall, the picture shows a Russia that remains deeply connected to a broad set of partners across Asia, Europe, and its neighbors. The scale of trade with China anchors most of the volume, while India, Türkiye, and the EU members contribute meaningful depth to the mix. This diversified map supports ongoing economic activity and suggests how shifts in policy, sanctions, energy prices, and logistics choices can reshape the balance of trade over time. The implications extend to exporters, importers, and policymakers as they monitor demand, pricing, and risk in an ever-changing global landscape. Source data come from the Federal Customs Service via RBC.