Complete Guide to Exporting to Russia in 2025

Introducing Russia: From Geography to Industrial Capacities

Russia, officially known as the Russian Federation, is the world's largest country, located in northern Eurasia with borders stretching from Eastern Europe to Northern Asia. Russia shares land borders with 16 countries and has strategic access to several major seas including the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caspian Sea, Barents Sea, and the Pacific Ocean.

Area of Russia

With an area of 17,098,242 square kilometers, Russia covers about 11% of the Earth's land surface. This vast expanse makes Russia a country with high climate diversity and rich natural resources.

Population of Russia

According to the latest official statistics, Russia has approximately 145 million inhabitants, with a significant portion living in the European part of the country. Moscow, with over 12 million residents, is the most populous city as well as the political, economic, and cultural capital of Russia.

Official Language and Religion of Russia

• Official Language: Russian
• Main Religion: Eastern Orthodox Christianity
• Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB)

The Russian Economy and Its Industrial Capacities

Russia is one of the world's largest economies and a member of BRICS. The country's economy is a mix of heavy industry, raw material exports, technology, and services. Energy exports, particularly oil and natural gas, account for a major share of Russia's GDP.

Main industries in Russia include:

1. Oil, Gas, and Petrochemicals
   Russia is the world's second largest crude oil exporter and a leading supplier of natural gas. Companies such as Gazprom and Rosneft play key roles in the country's energy exports.
2. Metals and Mining
   Russia possesses vast reserves of industrial and precious metals, including aluminum, nickel, gold, platinum, copper, and iron.
3. Defense and Aerospace Industries
   Russia is a major exporter of military equipment and weaponry globally; its aerospace industries are highly competitive worldwide.
4. Agriculture and Food Industries
   Despite a cold climate in many regions, Russia is very active in grain production (especially wheat), meat, dairy, and agricultural products, and has become one of the largest food exporters in recent years.
5. Information Technology (IT)
   Although there's still a gap compared to leading countries, Russia's IT sector is growing rapidly, especially in software, cybersecurity, and gaming.
6. Automotive and Transportation
   Russia is home to several national car manufacturers, including AvtoVAZ (Lada), and has a broad rail and maritime transportation industry.

Russia's Trade Relations with Iran, Turkey, and Iraq

As a major economic player in Eurasia and the world, Russia has established diverse trade relations with neighboring and regional countries in recent decades. Among them, Iran, Turkey, and Iraq are among Russia's most important commercial and political partners. Understanding the depth of these relations is crucial for Iranian businesspeople and exporters.

Russia-Iran Trade Relations

Trade ties between Iran and Russia have seen a growing and strategic trend in recent years. Due to Western sanctions and pressures, both countries have sought closer economic and political cooperation. These relations have expanded not just in energy, but also agriculture, transport, technology, and currency exchanges.

Main Iranian exports to Russia

• Agricultural products (pistachios, dates, apples, kiwi, tomatoes)
• Building materials (stone, cement)
• Petrochemicals and polymers
• Carpets and handicrafts

Main imports from Russia

• Grains (especially wheat)
• Sunflower oil
• Metals, wood, and paper
• Industrial machinery

Key points:

• Signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)
• Development of port cooperation in the Caspian Sea
• Use of the International North-South Transit Corridor (INSTC)

Russia-Turkey Trade Relations

Russia and Turkey maintain one of the most dynamic and complex bilateral trade relations in the region. Despite political disagreements over regional issues, economic ties remain strong and annual trade exchanges have surpassed USD 60 billion.

Russia's main exports to Turkey

• Natural gas (via TurkStream pipeline)
• Crude oil
• Wheat and grains
• Basic metals

Turkey's main exports to Russia

• Clothing and textiles
• Fresh fruits and vegetables (especially citrus)
• Home appliances
• Light machinery and auto parts

Key relations:

• Russian investments in Turkey's Akkuyu nuclear power plant
• Significant presence of Russian tourists in the Turkish tourism market
• Bilateral trade agreements and customs cooperation

Russia-Iraq Trade Relations

Russia's relations with Iraq are primarily based on energy, military, and infrastructure cooperation. Post-sanctions and post-civil war, Russia has sought to return to Iraq's oil and gas market, with major companies such as Lukoil and Gazprom Neft active in Iraqi oil projects.

Main Russian exports to Iraq

• Military equipment and arms
• Petroleum products
• Heavy machinery
• Wheat and grains

Iraq's main exports to Russia
Iraq is mainly an importer from Russia and has little to no exports to Russia; Iraqi crude oil is mostly exported to Asia and Europe.

Key points:

• Presence of Russian oil companies in Kirkuk and Basra oil fields
• Multi-billion dollar contracts for developing oil and gas fields
• Iraq's interest in expanding economic cooperation with Russia in industry and construction

Volume of Russia's Imports Per Year

Despite its vast natural resources, Russia remains one of the leading importers of goods globally. In recent years and particularly after sanctions, Russia has adopted a new approach to meeting its consumption and industrial needs from non-Western markets, creating significant opportunities for exporters from countries like Iran.

Total Import Volume of Russia Per Year

According to official statistics as of 2025, Russia's total imports reached $285 billion. While this figure is somewhat reduced compared to pre-sanctions levels, Russia still ranks among the world's top twenty importers.

Breakdown of Russian Imports by Product Type

Machinery and Industrial Equipment – about 28% ($80 billion)

The largest share of Russian imports is related to machinery, industrial equipment, precision tools, and electronics.

• Road construction and agricultural machinery
• Power plant parts and equipment
• Mining, refinery, and production line machinery
• Digital and automated control systems

Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals – about 15% ($42 billion)

• Human and veterinary medicines
• Raw pharmaceutical and chemical materials
• Cosmetic and personal care products
• Detergents and industrial chemicals

Cars and Spare Parts – about 12% ($35 billion)

• Passenger and commercial vehicles
• Motorcycles and bicycles
• Spare parts and automotive accessories

Agricultural and Food Products – about 11% ($32 billion)

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Dairy and processed meat products
• Tea, coffee, cocoa, spices
• Grains requiring import (such as rice)

Consumer and Household Goods – about 10% ($29 billion)

• Clothing and shoes
• Household and kitchen appliances
• Toys, baby products, stationery

Metals, Timber, and Construction Materials – about 7% ($20 billion)

• Processed steel and aluminum
• Raw and processed timber
• Special cement and building materials

Technology and Digital Goods – about 6% ($17 billion)

• Laptops, mobile phones, tablets
• Network and server equipment
• Security systems and cameras

Change in Russian Import Patterns After Sanctions

Following European and American sanctions, Russia has increased its imports from Asian and regional countries. China, Turkey, India, Iran, and Central Asian countries have become the main suppliers of goods to Russia.

Key point: This shift in the supply chain presents a major opportunity for Iran to fill the gap left by European companies by accurately identifying Russian import needs.

If you wish, in the next step I can discuss:

• Which Iranian goods have the best chance to be exported to Russia?
• Or analyze Russian consumer behavior and target market preferences.

Import Regulations to Russia

Knowing market needs alone is not enough for successful market entry; complete awareness of import regulations, customs rules, standards, and required permits is essential. The Russian Federation has a stringent, structured, and relatively complex customs system, operating under the 'Federal Customs Service of Russia'.

Tariff System and Goods Classification (HS Code)

All goods imported into Russia must have a designated customs tariff code (HS Code). The tariff rate is determined based on this code and includes:

• Basic customs tariffs: Usually between 5% and 20% depending on the type of goods
• Value Added Tax (VAT): Generally 20% for most goods
• Excise Duty: For specific goods such as alcohol, tobacco, luxury cars

Russia follows the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) tariff system and its import tariffs are aligned with other EAEU members (Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan).

Mandatory Permits and Standards (EAC Certification)

Many imported goods require certification and compliance with Russian standards.

Main certificates include:

• EAC Certificate or EAC Declaration: Proves compliance with Eurasian Union technical standards (equivalent to Europe's CE mark).
• Sanitary Certificate: Required for food, agricultural, and cosmetic products
• Veterinary or Phytosanitary Certificate: For animal and plant-derived goods
• Certificate of Origin: Usually required to obtain customs discounts under trade agreements

Note: Goods without these permits may be impounded, returned, or even destroyed by Russian Customs.

Packing and Labeling Regulations

All products entering the Russian market must have labels in Russian.

Essential label information:

• Product name
• Composition and technical specifications
• Country of origin
• Production and expiry dates
• Warnings or safety information
• Importer’s name and address in Russia

Packing should also be suitable for Russia’s climatic conditions (especially cold and humidity).

Registering a Company or Working with a Russian Importer

Under Russian law, only officially registered companies can clear goods through customs. Therefore:

• You must have a commercial partner in Russia,
• or use logistics companies or registered agents for imports,
• or, in some cases, Iranian exports are handled by Russian companies who import the goods under their own name and distribute them in the local market.

Payment Methods and Currency Restrictions in Russia

Due to international sanctions, financial transfers to Russia face restrictions. The most common current methods include:

• Ruble-based agreements (RUB): Common between Iran and Russia
• Barter trade
• Payments through intermediary banks in third countries (e.g. Turkey, Armenia, UAE)
• Alternative currencies such as Dirham, Yuan, Lira

Import Bans and Restrictions

Some goods are banned or restricted from entering Russia. These include:

• Goods with military or dual-use technology
• Certain agricultural products under Russian counter-sanctions
• Narcotics, psychoactive substances, items with illegal or dangerous content
• Goods lacking permits or with counterfeit branding

Customs Clearance Process in Russia

Main steps for customs clearance:

1. Electronic customs declaration filing
2. Submission of documents: invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, permits
3. Customs inspection and valuation
4. Payment of duties and taxes
5. Issuance of clearance permit and delivery of goods

Export Opportunities to Russia

With annual imports exceeding $280 billion, the Russian market is a huge opportunity for countries in the region and Asia. Western sanctions have pushed Russia towards Asian and regional suppliers. Among these, Iran, China, Turkey, and Iraq serve as key partners and major suppliers with top export potential.

Export Opportunities for Iran to Russia

Thanks to its shared land and sea borders, Eurasia trade agreements, and strong agricultural and industrial capacities, Iran can claim a larger share of the Russian market.

Key opportunities:

• Fresh and processed agricultural products: fruits such as pistachios, dates, citrus, apples, kiwis, and fresh vegetables
• Petrochemical and polymer products: varieties of polyethylene, bitumen, chemical fertilizer, and oil derivatives
• Building materials and decorative stones: especially useful for reconstruction in Russia
• Carpets, handicrafts, and cultural products
• Dairy and protein products (with veterinary certification)

Iran's advantage: Geographical proximity, lower freight costs, and access to the North-South corridor.

Export Opportunities for China to Russia

With massive production capacity and competitive prices, China is the largest supplier to the Russian market. Much of what was previously imported from Europe now comes from China.

Key opportunities:

• Industrial machinery and production lines
• Electronic and digital goods: mobile phones, laptops, network equipment
• Vehicles and spare parts (Chinese brands have replaced European ones)
• Low-cost consumer goods: clothing, toys, home appliances
• Building materials and infrastructure equipment

China's advantage: Mass production, huge diversity, low price, and direct currency agreements with Russia (Yuan–Ruble).

Export Opportunities for Turkey to Russia

Thanks to its geographic position and strength in food and light industry, Turkey is a key player in the Russian market.

Key opportunities:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables: tomatoes, citrus, bell peppers, other crops
• Processed foods and beverages
• Clothing and textiles: Turkish brands are well-known in Russia
• Branded consumer and household goods
• Construction services and related equipment exports

Turkey's advantage: Strong branding in Russia, widespread sea and air lines, powerful distribution network.

Export Opportunities for Iraq to Russia

Due to an oil-dependent economy and limited industrial production, Iraq plays a smaller role in exports to Russia, but some opportunities still exist.

Key opportunities:

• Crude oil and petroleum products: Iraq’s main exports to Russia
• Some seasonal agricultural products: such as dates and limited vegetables
• Raw materials and minerals in small quantities

Iraq's challenge: Weakness in non-oil export infrastructure and low product diversity.

A Golden Opportunity for Exporters

Given Russia's sanctions and its need for new suppliers, multilateral cooperation among these countries could open up a vast market. Especially Iran can:

• Develop logistics (North–South Corridor),
• Establish joint ventures with Russian traders,
• Enhance standards and packaging,
• Focus on fresh agricultural and food products

to increase its market share.

Best-Selling Export Commodities to Russia and Their Reasons

The Russian import market is one of the most diverse in Eurasia, and its geographical expanse, reliance on imports for certain products, and Western sanctions have created many opportunities for countries like Iran, China, Turkey, and Iraq. In recent years, certain goods have emerged as top exports to Russia, which we review below:

Agricultural and Food Products

• Vegetables and Fruits (apples, oranges, kiwis, cucumber, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic)
• Dried fruits and nuts (pistachios, almonds, raisins, dates)
• Tea, coffee, spices (especially from India and Iran)
• Reasons for popularity:
• Russia's climate poses challenges for some crops.
• Neighboring countries offer high-quality products.
• Competitive pricing compared to European goods.

Building Materials and Light Industrial Products

• Tiles and ceramics, building stone, faucets, wall paint, hand tools
• Reasons:
• Increase in construction projects in eastern Russia and emerging economic zones.
• Western sanctions created opportunities for new Middle Eastern and Asian brands.

Clothing and Textiles

• Especially from Turkey and China, and recently Iran and Iraq.
• Men's and women's clothing, cotton fabrics, jeans, shoes, bags.
• Reason:
• Withdrawal of Western brands has led to demand for new, affordable brands.

Petrochemical and Chemical Products

• Fertilizers, detergents, industrial paints.
• Exporting countries: Iran, Turkey, and China
• Advantage: Competitive pricing, bulk production, industrial technical cooperation with Russia.

Light Machinery and Spare Parts

• Especially from China.
• Reason: Low cost, compatibility with Russian market needs, exit of European brands.

Export Transportation and Logistics Routes to Russia

One of the factors for successful exports to Russia is having suitable infrastructure for cargo transportation and choosing reliable, cost-effective routes. Depending on the country of origin, different routes are available as outlined below:

Export Routes from Iran to Russia

A. Land (Transit) Route:

• From northern Iranian borders (Astara or Astara Chay) to Azerbaijan → Russia (Makhachkala or Volgograd ports)
• Advantage: Lower cost than air freight, faster than sea route.
• Challenge: Customs restrictions in Azerbaijan, border congestion.

B. Sea Route:

• From Anzali and Amirabad ports to Russian ports on the Caspian Sea such as Astrakhan, Makhachkala, Ulyanovsk.
• Advantage: High cargo volume, relative safety.
• Challenge: Scheduling vessel departures, loading/unloading costs.

C. Rail Route:

• From Iran's railways to Azerbaijan or Turkmenistan → Kazakhstan → Russia.
• Advantage: Most stable and economical for large shipments.
• Challenge: Time-consuming, requires multiple clearances.

Export Routes from Turkey to Russia

• Land: Through Georgia (Sarp border) → North Caucasus → Russia.
• Sea: From Mersin or Istanbul ports → Novorossiysk, Sochi, or Taganrog ports.
• Air: Direct flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg for urgent/small cargo.

Export Routes from China to Russia

• Land/Rail: Through Mongolia, Kazakhstan, or direct to Russia's Far East (Vladivostok, Khabarovsk)
• Sea: From eastern Chinese ports to Vladivostok and then by land.
• Air: Only for luxury or urgent goods.

Export Routes from Iraq to Russia

• Indirect routes: Iraq usually exports via Turkey or Iran.
• Overland to Iran → by rail/road to Russia.
• Main challenge: Weak transit and customs infrastructure in Iraq.

Introducing the SharMarket Platform

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