Russian food is primarily purchased by Belarus within the EEU.
In the first five months of 2025, Russia exported a significant amount of agricultural products to countries within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). According to recent data, the total value of these exports reached $3.2 billion, marking a 10% increase compared to the same period last year.
EAEU Exports Breakdown
Belarus was the largest recipient of Russian agricultural products, accounting for 45% of the total value. Kazakhstan followed closely, accounting for 43%, while Kyrgyzstan and Armenia each accounted for 7% and 5% respectively.
Russia exported a variety of products to these countries, with rapeseed seeds, pork, and sunflower oil being among the top exports. Specifically, almost $100 million worth of rapeseed seeds were exported to Belarus, over $129 million worth of pork, and $147 million worth of sunflower oil.
Belarusian Exports to Russia
Contrary to the growth in Russian agricultural exports to EAEU countries, there is no clear data indicating a significant increase in Russian food product exports to Belarus. Instead, the focus seems to be on the growth in Belarusian food and agricultural exports to Russia.
Trade between Belarus and various Russian regions increased significantly in the first five months of 2025. For example, trade between Belarus and Russia's Altai Krai rose by 2.1 times, and Belarusian food exports to Russia’s Tula Region doubled compared to the same period last year.
Market Conditions
The overall trade balance remains favorable for Belarus, with a 2.7% export growth in January-May 2025. However, demand in the Russian market is reported to be declining, which may affect Belarusian exports.
In contrast, Russian agricultural production is challenged by climatic factors affecting grain output, which may constrain some export volumes.
Summary
In summary, the available data reveals increased Belarusian food product exports to Russia in early 2025, but no specific data supports a parallel increase in Russian food exports to Belarus during that time. The focus appears to be on the growth in Belarusian food and agricultural exports to Russia, with trade between various regions increasing significantly. The overall trade balance remains favorable for Belarus, but the declining demand in the Russian market may pose a challenge to Belarusian exports.
- The finance sector might consider the significant growth in Belarusian food and agricultural exports to Russia, highlighting the lifestyle changes and food trends in the Eurasian Economic Union.
- As the finance industry looks into the future, it's essential to take note of the industry's overall reliance on food-and-drink sectors, considering the changes in trade patterns within the Eurasian Economic Union.
