Analysis of the Russian economy basic sectors participation in international trade in the context of compliance with WTO principles

The Russian economy key sectors such as energy, metallurgy, and agro-industrial in the international trade system have been studied, considering the commitments made within the framework of the World Trade Organization. sectors’ foreign trade flows dynamics for the period 2020–2024 has been analyzed, structural changes in the geography of exports and imports have been identified, and mechanisms for adapting industries to new geo-economic conditions have been studied. As the analysis result, it has been found that the Russian foreign trade reorientation to the neutral countries’ markets has led to a significant commodity flows transformation: the share of neutral countries in the export structure increased from 45% in 2020 to 86% in 2024. The study showed that the energy sector remains a key export destination, accounting for 61.5% of total exports in 2024, while its geographical structure has undergone drastic changes with the Asian direction dominance. The specifics of the customs and tariff policy implementation in Russia in relation to critically important imports, including the temporary zeroing of import duties on equipment not manufactured domestically, have been revealed. The metallurgical sector demonstrates the process of active adaptation to the changed conditions of the international market, which is confirmed by the growth of supplies to the Asia-Pacific region, while reducing the European direction. In the agro-industrial complex sphere, the country’s position in the global market of grain and other agricultural products has been strengthened, despite the exports quota regulation implementation to ensure food security. The study confirms that Russia adheres to the basic principles of the World Trade Organization in terms of non-discrimination and transparency when implementing trade protection measures, while actively using acceptable tools to protect national producers. Promising areas for foreign trade activities development in the basic sectors of the economy have been identified, including export diversification, reducing dependence on raw materials, and developing high-tech industries with high added value.

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