Russia Increases Local Currency Use in Foreign Trade

Russia has significantly increased the use of its local currency in foreign trade transactions. According to NS3.AI, in February 2026, 60% of Russia's foreign trade was settled in local currency, up from 54.2% in 2025. Specifically, ruble payments accounted for 54% of imports from Asia, 70% from the Americas, 82% from Africa, and 69.3% from Europe during February.