Russia Trade Flows Shrink

Russia recorded a trade surplus of $8.7 billion in May of 2025, narrowing from the $12.1 billion surplus in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Exports slumped by 9.7% from the previous year to $33.1 billion, the fourth consecutive month of lower foreign sales as lower oil prices and softer commodity demand from Russia's key trading partner, China, pared buying from Russia's key industries that are shunned from commerce with the West.

In turn, imports dropped by 0.4% to $24.4 billion, halting two straight import expansions.