Russia: Exporter Guide
In 2014, Russia’s GDP grew 0.6 percent compared to 1.3 percent in 2013 and fell 3.6 percent in first half of 2015. Retail sales grew 2.5 percent in 2014 (3.9 percent in 2013) and amounted to $694 billion. Food sales, including alcohol and tobacco, accounted for 47 percent of total retail sales. Russian consumers have started to optimize expenditures and change food buying habits. Agricultural exports to Russia totaled $1.2 billion in 2014. Russia continues to be an attractive market for U.S. exporters of processed food products, sauces, confectionary ingredients, beverages, animal genetics, live cattle, and soybeans.