Russia has significantly increased butter imports from Azerbaijan, Uruguay, and Argentina in 2025, while imports from Belarus have decreased by almost half, reflecting a shift in global supply dynamics.
Russia has seen a significant shift in its butter import sources, with notable increases from Azerbaijan, Uruguay, and Argentina. According to Rosselkhoznadzor, Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, these changes in the geography of butter imports reflect evolving trade patterns and shifting supply dynamics.
Since the beginning of 2025, butter imports from Azerbaijan, Uruguay, and Argentina have surged dramatically. Azerbaijan’s butter exports to Russia rose by four times, from 240 tons in January 2024 to 940 tons this year. Similarly, Uruguay boosted its exports to 649 tons, more than quadrupling the 150 tons it sent in January 2024. Argentina’s butter shipments also increased significantly, growing fourfold to 200 tons compared to 50 tons a year ago.
In contrast, butter imports from Belarus have decreased sharply by 1.8 times. The volume dropped from 10.2 thousand tons in January 2024 to just 5.6 thousand tons this year. Experts suggest that this decline may be linked to changes in Belarus’ pricing policy, altered supply conditions, or heightened competition from other countries.
This shift in Russia’s butter import landscape marks an important change for both producers and consumers, as the country diversifies its supply sources in response to changing market conditions.
