Russia exported US$12.5M dairy products to Belarus in Q1 2026

RUSSIA – Russia has exported US$12.5 million worth of dairy products to Belarus in the first quarter, according to data published by the Agroexport centre of the Russian Agriculture Ministry.

Total Russian dairy exports for the first three months of the year reached US$96 million, a 13% increase from the same period in 2025.

The primary export items were cheese and curd at US$29 million, fermented dairy products at US$25 million, and milk and cream at US$19 million.

Belarus became the third-largest market for Russian dairy exports. Higher volumes were supplied to Kazakhstan (more than US$30 million) and Uzbekistan (around US$14 million).

Russia’s main export items were cheese and curd, fermented dairy products, and milk and cream.

Meanwhile, cheese stocks in Russia are increasing amid rising domestic production and imports from Belarus. In April, inventories grew by 21% compared with the same period last year.

Warehouse stocks are 52% higher than the five-year average. Cheese production has increased, while demand has remained largely unchanged.

Local manufacturers have ramped up output, with cheese production rising by 1.1% in early 2026. Additionally, Belarus remains a dominant supplier to Russia, often holding a roughly 20% price advantage due to lower raw milk costs.

While retail sales remain steady, a notable decline has been observed in the HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering) segment, resulting in stockpiling.

In response to market pressures, Belarus recently adjusted its pricing strategy. The Belarusian Ministry of Agriculture raised minimum export prices for milk and cream supplied to Russia to 195 Russian rubles per kg (up from 170 rubles).

Additionally, according to the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, Russia’s dairy industry experienced strong growth in export markets, with overseas sales rising by 16 per cent since the start of 2025.

This positive trend follows an 18 per cent increase in the value of dairy exports throughout the previous year.

The Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, Oksana Lut, highlighted the sector’s success and explored opportunities for further expansion.

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