Russia’s Export-Import Activity Through the Prism of Quality infrastructure

Abstract

Using regression analysis the article demonstrates that Russia’s export/import volumes are exponentially linked to the global quality infrastructure index GQII of partner countries. This index serves as an integral characteristic reflecting the state of national institutes of standardization, metrology, and accreditation. This aspect should be taken into account when negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with countries exhibiting high GQII values, since such agreements may trigger a sharp increase in imports of manufactured goods and, potentially undermine technological sovereignty. The study concludes that FTAs are most viable with countries sharing similar GQII levels. Accordingly, the results of a cluster analysis of 185 countries based on GQII values are presented. Countries within the same GQII cluster as Russia, which should be prioritized as potential FTA partners, are identified.