Russia Trade Surplus Widens for 2nd Month

The Russian trade surplus widened to USD 12.5 billion in June of 2026 from USD 8.2 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year. Exports climbed by 32.6% year-on-year to USD 43.3 billion, the highest this year, supported by stronger energy revenues as oil and gas prices remained elevated amid disruptions to tanker flows from the Persian Gulf following the escalation of the war in the Middle East. Higher global energy prices boosted the value of Russian crude and gas shipments, while the easing of some US sanctions also supported exports. Meanwhile, imports rose by 26% to USD 30.8 billion, reflecting stronger purchases of machinery, equipment and transport vehicles as domestic demand and investment remained resilient.

The Russian trade surplus widened to $14.2 billion in May of 2026 from $7.4 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year. Exports surged by 32.4% annually to $42.8 billion, the highest this year and the sharpest increase in four years. Sales were supported by larger energy sales after the outbreak of war in the Middle East halted tanker flows from the Persian Gulf and lifted oil and gas prices across the globe. Besides higher prices, Russian oil companies also benefited from the loosened sanctions from the US as Washington attempted to tame the surge in energy costs. Meanwhile, imports rose by 14.8% to $28.7 billion.

The Russian trade surplus widened to $14.43 billion in April of 2026 from $12.29 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year, the highest for the period in four years. Exports surged by 15.6% annually to $38.83 billion, supported by higher turnover for energy exporters after the outbreak of war in the Middle East halted tanker flows from the Persian Gulf and lifted oil and gas prices across the globe. Besides higher prices, Russian oil companies also benefited from the loosened sanctions from the US as Washington attempted to tame the surge in energy costs. Meanwhile, imports rose by 7.5% to $27.4 billion.