MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. Russia’s foreign trade surplus decreased by 21.5% in January 2024 year-on-year to $8.7 bln, the Federal Customs Service reported.

Exports fell by 14.2% in the reporting period to $28.7 bln, while imports went down by 10.6% to $20 bln. Consequently, trade turnover lost 12.8% in January to $48.7 bln.

Asian countries were Russia’s key trade partners in January as they accounted for 74% of trade turnover.

Among dominating export items were mineral products (61.2%), metals and articles made therefrom (14.8%), food products and primary produce for their production (10.4%), chemical products (6.2%), machines, equipment and other goods (4.5%), wood products and pulp-and-paper goods (2.4%).

The largest imports included machines, equipment and other goods (50.2%), chemical products (19.5%), food products and primary produce for their production (13%), textiles and footwear (7.6%), metals and articles made therefrom (6.4%), mineral products (1.7%).