Russia is the most resource-rich country on Earth with more than 30% of the world’s natural resources; their imports have reduced dramatically in recent years with the fall of world oil prices. While real disposable income in the country rose by 160% between 2000 and 2012, bringing a significant rise in living standards, commentators have discussed that the country is now close to a recession. Main imports to Russia include food (13% of total imports) and ground transports (12 %) along with pharmaceuticals, textiles, footwear, plastics, and optical instruments. Main import partners are China (19%), Germany (13%), the United States (5%) and Italy (5%).

Chart Showing GDP Growth Compared to rest of world

Exporting to Russia: What is trade finance?

Stock finance is a revolving facility which alternative financiers offer – it enables companies to purchase stock and can help ease the pressure from cash management.

Generally, an export finance bank will fund all of the cost of the product, including charges (e.g. delivery costs).

Trade finance offers advantages over more traditional bank finance including bridging mortgages or loans. Trade finance provides quick funding without affecting existing bank relationships.

How does it work?
If you’re an SME importing or exporting stock internationally, then a trade finance facility would assist your company to fund this through offering a letter of credit (LC) or some form of cash advance.

I’m looking to export to Russia, how can Trade Finance Global help, and how does it work?
If you are looking to export inventory to other markets, you may require export finance, which is a commercial agreement between yourself (the exporter), and the importer. A non-bank lender would advance you the cost of producing the inventory that you are exporting (as a debt product), either once you have shipped the goods, or before you have produced them. Once the importer has received the inventory and pays you for the import, you will repay the advance loan from the funder over an agreed period.