Trade between Russia and Developing Countries in Mineral Resources and Metals: Priority Areas

Abstract

Russia is an important and reliable supplier to developing countries of a number of basic ferrous and non-ferrous metals, primarily those of large-tonnage and mass-produced. At the same time, the Russian industrial sector exhibits a high, and often critical, dependence on imports of a various types of ores and concentrates, metals, and metal products from these countries. Complete refusal to import such products in favour of domestic production would require enormous efforts and a prolonged period, during which the other rival countries in this highly competitive market could seize the initiative. Thus, it is advisable for Russia to continue its pursuit of access to mineral resources of the developing countries with a view to ensuring the continuity of supplies.