Written by Marijn Overvest | Reviewed by Sjoerd Goedhart | Fact Checked by Ruud Emonds | Our editorial policy

Russia Import and Export Statistics 2025 — 20 Key Figures

Key takeaways

  • The US and EU sanctions on Russia affected the global supply chain and commodity prices. 
  • Russia responds to sanctions with export prohibitions and currency changes for energy payments.
  • Russia’s oil supply in the EU ends in January 2025.

20 Russia Import Statistical Figures of 2025 That You Should Know

1. China imports 51% of Russian crude oil petroleum yearly.

The countries’ strong bilateral trading relationships and Russia’s discounted oil exports largely support China’s infrastructure and transportation industry. However, the country’s weakening economy forecasted a 1.9% decrease in its total crude oil imports in 2025.

2. India is the 2nd crude oil importer in Russia, averaging $54.5 billion yearly.

After consecutive sanctions from the EU and the US, Russian crude oil exports find an uncompromising market destination in Asia, particularly India. However, the assumption of Trump’s administration prompted India to seek alternative sources from the Middle East and Africa, accounting for 14.5% of its oil imports.

3. North Korea’s average cereal imports from Russia account for $15.39 million yearly.

Due to food shortages and the need to secure affordable food supplies, North Korea imports most of the Russian cereal. This spending accounts for 30%-36.4% of its total imports.

4. Russian warfare and technological imports are expected to grow by 8% in 2025.

This growth is influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions and the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities. As for the gains, Russia’s defense spending is projected to increase by about 30% in 2025.

5. Russian gas imports can be cut by 66% by delivering the EU’s Fit for 55 packages and accelerating the deployment of renewable electricity, energy efficiency, and electrification.

The EU’s Fit for 55 package is a comprehensive set of proposals to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. This reduced reliance will cut 101 billion cubic meters of Russian gas exports.

6. The European Commission proposes a new sanction package banning 6% of Russian aluminum imports.

The goal is to reduce reliance on Russian aluminum and diversify supply sources. This sanction will reduce 38% of Russian aluminum exports to the EU. 

7. The EU will stop re-exporting 20% of imported Russian LNG (liquified natural gas) to third countries in March 2025.

To reduce reliance on Russian energy and control its revenues that fund war campaigns in Ukraine, the EU will stop re-exporting LNG to third countries. This move will affect 8.5% of EU export gains in 2025.

8. The Central Bank of Russia raised its key rate from 19% to 20-21% as the country’s corporate lending increases and domestic and international demand cannot keep up production and import volumes.

This increase stabilizes the Russian ruble and reduces inflationary pressures. However, the higher interest rates will translate to reduced imports (8%) and exports (9%) in 2025.  

9. Algeria is Russia’s largest war machinery importer, accounting for 53% of its total arms imports.

The long-standing defense relationship between Russia and Algeria made Russia the primary weapon supplier of Algeria. For 2025, Algeria’s defense budget is set to exceed $25 billion.

10. Analysts forecasted that the weakening Russian ruble will reduce Russia’s oil import prices to $70 per barrel throughout 2025. Additionally, Russia may offer additional discounts to its buyers if the U.S. raises more sanctions under Trump’s administration.

The reduced ruble power influences Russian oil export gain, averaging a 10%-15% decrease in revenue. However, Russian oil importers will see short-term gains because of the new US and EU set of sanctions.

11. Despite sanctions, Russia yearly imports Western aircraft parts worth $30 million through intermediaries.

Russia spends 1.5% of its total imports on Western aircraft parts. Intermediary companies from China, UAE, and Turkey gain around 16.7% in profits from these transactions.

12. Russia and India’s bilateral trade aims to achieve a $100 billion turnover by 2030.

The forecasted import and export gains for India and Russia from their bilateral trade are expected to be around 10% for both countries by 2025 and 17.65% by 2030. This growth stems from increased cooperation in energy, defense, and pharmaceutical sectors. 

13. The new US sanctions on Iran and Russia affect spot purchases of Russian oil, accounting for 40-45% of India’s imports.

India relies on imports for its crude oil needs, with 30% oil from Russia. However, the new US sanctions on Iran and Russia prompted India to buy from Middle Eastern and African crude, increasing its imports from 51.55% to 52%. 

14. Russia imports 19% of Chinese cars, mostly internal combustion engines and electric vehicles.

The departure of Western automakers from Russia left a significant gap in the market, leading it to import cheaper cars from China. However, recently, Russia increased its vehicle recycling fee by 70%-85% for Chinese passenger cars to protect its domestic automotive industry.

15. Grain experts forecasted that the EU wheat imports from Russia will decrease by 15% due to lower harvest and government-imposed quotas to maintain its domestic supplies.

Analysts predict Russia’s wheat exports will drop from 54 million tons to 48 million tons. This sharp decline translates to a reduced 5% export revenue.

16. The Macroeconomic survey of the Bank of Russia showed that the country’s total import of goods and services will increase by 1% from $371 billion to $382 billion in 2025.

The increase in imports is packaged medicine (enhanced healthcare services), broadcasting equipment (improved media and communication infrastructure), and cars (increased transportation availability). These improvements will contribute to a 2%-3% increase in its economic productivity. 

17. Syria increases its Russian oil imports by 15,000 tons to address its domestic market demand.

After the fall of Assad, Syria’s oil reserves production drops from 400,000 barrels per day (before the civil war) to around 35,000-40,000 currently. To cover this deficit, Syria is expected to spend $1.5 billion annually on importing crude oil from Russia.

18. Analysts forecast that oil imports from Russia will rise by 30% in 2030 and 50% in 2050.

OPEC’s uncertain supply chain bottleneck prompted most Asian countries to purchase discounted Russian oil. As a result, its oil export economy will benefit 2%-3% annually due to OPEC’s uncertain oil production capacities and policies.

19. Crude oil remains Russia’s most valuable export, accounting for 63.8% of total exports.

Despite global market fluctuations and geopolitical challenges, oil commodities drive Russia’s export economy. Also, refined petroleum oils hold a significant share, contributing to 15% of export revenues.

20. Russia imposed a temporary ban on 10%-12% of scrap of precious metals supply until Q2 in 2025.

The temporary ban on exports is expected to increase the workload at Russian refining plants by 15% and boost tax revenues by around 5%.

Conclusion

Russia’s economy in 2025 is expected to depend heavily on both geopolitical and economic factors that influence its trade relations and dynamic of import-export. Dependence on India and China for crude oil exports is a key element sustaining Russia’s economy. The country found uncompromising markets in Asia as its energy exports found demand even during economic sanctions.

Other policy measures like increased tariffs and imposing import bans are efforts made by Russia to develop its domestic industries and lessen dependence on external sources. These steps will increase domestic refineries by about 15% and improve tax revenues by approximately 5%, maintaining its economic stability. 

Frequently asked questions

How much is the expected gain between Russia and India bilateral trade in 2030?

The Russia-India bilateral trade is expected to gain $100 billion in 2030.

Which country is the largest war machinery importer in Russia?

Algeria is Russia’s largest war machinery importer, accounting for 53% of its total arms imports.

When will EU stop re-exporting imported Russian LNG to third countries?

EU will stop re-exporting imported Russian LNG to third countries in March 2025.

About the author

My name is Marijn Overvest, I’m the founder of Procurement Tactics. I have a deep passion for procurement, and I’ve upskilled over 200 procurement teams from all over the world. When I’m not working, I love running and cycling.

Marijn Overvest Procurement Tactics