MOSCOW, October 12. /TASS/. Russia’s foreign trade surplus increased by 16.4% in January-August 2026 year-on-year to $102.9 bln, according to figures released by the Federal Customs Service.
Exports gained $37.8 bln in the reporting period to $304.2 bln, while imports grew by $23.3 bln to $201.3 bln. Consequently, Russia’s trade turnover went up by 13.75% in January-August 2026 year-on-year to $505.5 bln.
Exports from Russia to European countries fell by 1.03% to $38.6 bln, while imports rose by 8.26% to $49.8 bln, according to the service. That said, Russia’s exports to Asian countries increased by 19.08% to $244 bln, while imports from those countries added 16.29% to $137.8 bln.
Russian exports to African countries edged up by 0.72% to $14 bln, while imports rose by 6.67% to $3.2 bln.
Exports to countries of North and South America lost 10.59% to $7.6 bln, while imports from those countries were flat at $10.4 bln.
Mineral products accounted for the largest share of Russia's exports in the period, reaching $170.6 bln (up 14.5%), followed by metals and metal products (up 22.2% to $55.6 bln), and agricultural products (up 20.17% to $28.6 bln).
Machinery, equipment, and vehicles were Russia's largest import item, which increased by 15.21% from January to August, reaching $97.7 bln, followed by chemical products (up 10.86% to $39.8 bln), and agricultural products (up 4.68% to $29.1 bln).