Moscow/Minsk — Russia exported $12.5 million worth of dairy products to Belarus in the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest data from the Russian Agriculture Ministry’s Agroexport centre. The figures solidify Belarus’s position as the third-largest destination for Russian dairy, trailing only Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Total Russian dairy exports for the first three months of the year reached $96 million, marking a 13% increase in value compared to the same period in 2025.
Export Breakdown & Regional Rankings
While Russia and Belarus have a complex, bi-directional trade relationship in dairy, Russia’s exports to its neighbor focused heavily on processed and fermented goods.
| Rank | Export Destination | Value (Q1 2026) |
| 1 | Kazakhstan | > $30 Million |
| 2 | Uzbekistan | ~ $14 Million |
| 3 | Belarus | $12.5 Million |
| 4 | Azerbaijan | > $5 Million |
| 5 | Georgia | > $4.5 Million |
Primary Export Items:
- Cheese and Curd: $29 million (total global exports)
- Fermented Dairy Products: $25 million
- Milk and Cream: $19 million
Read More: From “Go Sewa” to Growth: Uttar Pradesh Leads India in Milk Production as Rural Youth Prosper
The “Cheese Glut”: Rising Stocks in Russia
Despite active exports, Russia is currently facing a significant domestic surplus of cheese. In April 2026, warehouse inventories surged by 21% compared to the previous year, with current stocks sitting 52% higher than the five-year average.
Key Drivers of the Surplus:
- Increased Domestic Production: Local manufacturers have ramped up output, with cheese production rising by 1.1% in early 2026.
- Imports from Belarus: Belarus remains a dominant supplier to Russia, often holding a price advantage of roughly 20% due to lower raw milk costs.
- Stagnant Demand: While retail sales remain steady, a notable decline has been observed in the HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering) segment, leading to stock accumulation.
Market Dynamics & Pricing
In response to market pressures, Belarus recently adjusted its pricing strategy. Effective April 3, 2026, the Belarusian Ministry of Agriculture raised minimum export prices for milk and cream supplied to Russia to 195 Russian rubles per kg (up from 170 rubles).
This move follows a period where Belarusian producers aggressively priced their products to maintain market share in Russia, a tactic that has contributed to the current high inventory levels in Russian warehouses.
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