Tajikistan could increase agriculture exports to Russia by over 10% in 2026

DUSHANBE. June 5 (Interfax) - Tajikistan could increase agriculture exports to Russia by over 10% in 2026, the Russian Economy Development Ministry said in a statement, citing Economy Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov.

Reshetnikov participated in talks with Tajikistan's Minister of Economic Development and Trade Abdurakhmon Abdurakhmonzoda at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2026) on June 4.

The parties discussed a wide range of matters relating to their bilateral partnership in trade and economics, including increasing mutual trade, including agricultural exports. They paid particular attention to implementing a plan of measures to increase bilateral trade volumes between Russia and Tajikistan in 2025-2030.

"In 2025 and in the first quarter of this year, bilateral trade is following a positive trend, with goods trade growing 25% and 27% respectively," Reshetnikov said.

The parties also discussed the possibility of expanding the list of agricultural and food exports. The plans are to achieve this through using the potential of Taj Rus Export LLC, as well as through the implementation of JSC Grand Trade's contracts with seven Tajik suppliers.

"In 2026, we forecast that Russia's agricultural imports from Tajikistan will continue to increase by more than 10%, through expanding the list of produce exported," Reshetnikov said.

In particular, prospects for increasing exports of fresh fruits, dried fruit and vegetables, including grapes, from Tajikistan to Russia, the press center of Tajikistan's Minister of Economic Development and Trade reported.

Russia remains one of Tajikistan's biggest trading and economic partners. In 2025, trade between the two countries reached a record of $2.47 billion, up 24.8% from 2024. Russia also made up over 22% of Tajikistan's foreign trade. Agricultural produce made up a significant proportion of Tajikistan's exports to Russia, including fruits, vegetables and dried fruits, while Russian exports included petroleum products, food, machinery and equipment, the Tajik ministry said.

The parties said they were interested in reinforcing trade and economic ties and implementing joint projects aimed at expanding bilateral trade and developing production partnerships.