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Russian oil exports see sharp drop in April due to Ukrainian attacks

Bandeira Rússia, barril petróleo
Photo: Bandeira Rússia, barril petróleo -Tomas Ragina/shutterstock.com

The Russian economy shrank by 1.8% in the first two months of 2026 compared to the same period the previous year. The data came from a meeting at Kremlin with the main people responsible for the area. Produção industrial, manufacturing and construction recorded negative numbers. The Russian president demanded explanations and asked for urgent proposals to resume growth.

The country’s economy totals around 3.1 trillion dollars. Depois contracted in 2022, it grew 4.1% in 2023 and 4.9% in 2024. The advance fell to 1% in 2025. The government’s official projection for this year was 1.3%.

Putin demands economic team measures

The Russian president opened the meeting with the main names in the economy and criticized the performance below expectations. Ele highlighted that several key sectors were negative in the first two months. Funcionários presented ideas to stimulate activity, according to reports from the meeting.

The government has not yet detailed which proposals will be adopted. The discussion came amid signs of a slowdown after years of expansion driven by conflict-related spending at Ucrânia.

  • Produção industrial registered decline in the first months
  • Construção performed negatively relative to 2025
  • Manufatura also showed contraction in the period
  • Economic Equipe delivered suggestions for recovery

Recent Histórico shows strong variation

The country has surpassed pessimistic projections in previous years despite broad Western sanctions. Fundo Monetário Internacional recently raised its growth forecast for 2026 to 1.1%. The adjustment came after a rise in oil and other commodity prices linked to tensions in the Oriente Médio.

Mesmo thus, analysts point out that the initial momentum has lost strength. Russian Banco Central maintained tight monetary policy to contain inflation. Isso slowed consumption and investment in several segments.

flag of Ucrânia and Rússia
Ucrânia and Rússia flag – Svet photo/Shutterstock.com

Desafios structures persist

Oil and gas Receitas remain relevant but face pressure from discounts and sanctions. The budget recorded a deficit in the first months of the year. Gastos high defense limits space for other areas.

Empresas report difficulties with labor and technological constraints. Pequenas and medium-sized companies, which represent around 20% of the economy, feel the burden of higher taxes and costs.

Projeções varies between analysts

Russian Desenvolvimento Econômico’s Ministério may revise the official estimate downwards in the coming weeks. Instituições like Banco Mundial and private banks have already adjusted their accounts downward in previous months.

The IMF maintained a slightly more optimistic view due to commodities. Preços Higher energy levels may provide some relief, but they do not resolve long-term bottlenecks such as demographics and dependence on natural resource exports.

Setores show mixed signals

Alguns branches linked to defense or commodities register activity. Outros, aimed at domestic consumption, suffer from high interest rates and inflation still above the long-term target. The ruble fluctuated, but capital controls helped prevent sharper movements.

Bilionários Russians increased their wealth by 11% last year, according to a survey by Forbes Russia. The data contrasts with pressure on economic activity as a whole.

The Russian economy is undergoing adjustment after a period of rapid expansion. Autoridades seek to balance public spending with the need to contain prices and maintain financial stability. Resultados in the coming quarters will indicate whether the proposed measures can reverse the initial contraction trend.

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