Russia significantly expanded its agricultural trade with Africa in the first half of 2026.
Russia significantly expanded its agricultural trade with Africa in the first half of 2026, showing the continent's growing importance as a destination for Russian food exports amid shifting global trade patterns.
According to Russia's federal Agroexport centre, the country shipped more than 11 million metric tons of agricultural products worth approximately $2.9 billion to African countries between January and June 2026. The volume of exports rose 40% year-on-year, while the value increased 35%, reflecting stronger demand across the continent.
Wheat dominates shipments
Wheat remained by far Russia's largest agricultural export to Africa, accounting for about 10.2 million metric tons—more than 90% of total shipments. Other major exports included barley, soybean oil, sunflower seed meal and cake, as well as beet pulp and molasses.
