Sberbank continues to play a dominant role in Russia’s foreign trade landscape, financing a substantial share of both exports and imports. The bank reported that it supports more than 54% of Russian exports and about 33% of the country’s imports through credit programs aligned with foreign economic activity. The figure was disclosed by Anatoly Popov, deputy chairman of the board of directors, during the session “Financial Market for the Real Sector” at the Made in Russia International Export Forum. This demonstrates Sberbank’s position as a central financial partner for companies engaged in external commerce.
According to the bank’s leadership, Sberbank leads the market in backing foreign economic activity under state programs, with funding allocated to this agenda totaling 450 billion rubles. Notably, Sberbank’s share in supporting priority imports exceeds half of the collateralized volume, and in certain critical product groups, such as essential medical goods, the bank finances more than 95% of the nation’s imports. These figures underscore the bank’s deep involvement in sustaining supply chains and domestic access to vital goods.
“Sber stands ready to back Russian trade across all facets of foreign economic activity. The success of the customers’ enterprises remains the top priority,” Popov remarked. The statement reflects a strategic commitment to facilitating trade flows and serving as a stabilizing financial partner for businesses navigating global market shifts.
At present, three primary regional focuses guide foreign economic activity: China, India, and Turkey. Popov noted that these countries continue to foster productive cooperation with Russia, even amid global turbulence, and that Sber is actively expanding its collaboration with them. The emphasis on diversify-and-strengthen policies aims to ensure resilience in trade relationships and to broaden the spectrum of opportunities for Russian exporters and importers.
Popov also highlighted that ensuring safety, reliability, and security for all participants in foreign trade remains a core objective for the state and the broader financial sector. This focus supports a stable environment in which companies can operate with confidence, especially as global financial conditions evolve.
He described a notable shift in banks’ priorities. In the past, banks mainly served as intermediaries linking international and domestic capital to fund projects. Today, they increasingly act as primary sources of capital for industrial enterprises. Concurrently, there is a push to rapidly expand correspondent banking in national currencies, offering an alternative to the traditionally dominant dollar and euro settlement framework. This currency diversification is aimed at reducing exposure to exchange rate risk and strengthening financial autonomy in foreign trade transactions.
Popov emphasized that contemporary challenges require new financing solutions, robust payment infrastructure, and sustained investment in strategic projects. He argued that effective foreign economic initiatives demand a coordinated toolkit of financial measures and close cooperation among banks, the real sector, exporters, and importers. The takeaway is clear: coordinated actions among financial institutions and industry players are essential to expanding Russia’s foreign economic potential while maintaining stability in trade operations. [attribution: Sberbank official statements; forum remarks]