12.12.202513:15:39UTC+00Russia Trade Surplus Widens in October

In October 2025, Russia's trade surplus expanded significantly to $11.143 billion, up from $9.085 billion in the same month the previous year. This growth was largely attributed to a more pronounced decline in imports compared to exports. Imports decreased by 11.8% year-over-year, reaching $25 billion. This reduction was largely due to weaker domestic demand from Russian consumers and businesses, despite the ruble's strengthening, which led to decreased purchases of foreign products. Conversely, exports saw a 3.4% drop, falling to $38.1 billion, impacted by reduced oil prices and diminished demand for commodities from China, a key trading partner for Russia. Ongoing sanctions and restricted access to Western markets continued to hinder trade activities. This trade imbalance highlights Russia's struggling economy, where the effect on import reductions is more pronounced than that on export revenues.