From Mechanics to Sweets: Moscow’s Exports Today

Moscow's non-resource non-energy exports exceeded 23 billion dollars from January to September of this year. This is 28 percent higher than in the same period in 2020, said Vladimir Efimov, Deputy Moscow Mayor for Economic Policy and Property and Land Relations.

"Moscow occupies a leading position in terms of supplies of non-resource non-energy products among Russian regions. Its share in all-Russian exports is 16.9 percent. The capital's enterprises are steadily expanding their client base abroad: over the past two years, the volume of exports increased by 30.9 percent — from 17.7 billion dollars in January — September 2019 to 23 billion dollars in the same period this year. Kazakhstan, Belarus and the USA are among the main export destinations of Moscow's products, and the overall number of importers is 183 countries,” he said.

What Moscow sells

The main export destinations of the capital's products increased the volume of purchases by almost a third. Moscow's non-resource non-energy exports to Kazakhstan increased by 27 percent and amounted to 2.39 billion dollars. Exports to Belarus increased by almost 32 percent — to 2.3 billion dollars. The volume of Moscow’s products sold in the United States rose by 27.8 percent, to reach 2.18 billion dollars. Most of Moscow's export are industrial goods.

"The first nine months of 2021 saw the growth of industrial products exports to almost 31 percent and reached 20.4 billion dollars compared to the same period in 2020. Foreign countries willingly buy mechanical equipment and components (the volume amounted to 1.9 billion dollars), electrical appliances (1.2 billion dollars), plastics and products made of it (884.38 million dollars) and automotive equipment (437.33 million dollar)," said Alexander Prokhorov, Head of the Moscow Investment and Industrial Policy Department.

The demand for agro-industrial products is growing too. The most promising products are dairy products, meat and meat products, confectionery, such as chocolate, as well as soda, juices and mineral water. According to the Mosprom Export Support Center, exports of agro-industrial complex goods reached 2.8 billion dollars, which is 11 percent more than in the same period last year. Confectionery enterprises are among leaders in this field. Supply of sweets increased by almost 54 percent within two years.

How Exports are Stimulated

The Mosprom Center, subordinate to the Department of Investment and Industrial Policy, is engaged in individual support of industrial and agro-industrial exporters. Its experts study target markets for Moscow manufacturers and do research analysis to help choose the most effective strategy for entering the foreign market.

As part of the buyer program, the center's experts help companies find contractors and negotiate with potential buyers, organize participation in international exhibitions and business missions. These free of charge activities are based on the business’ specific needs.

Non-resource non-energy exports are also supported by the Moscow Export Center. It provides more than 30 services, including participating at international exhibitions, co-financing acceleration programs, supporting online exports, and bringing to foreign retail networks.

Moscow entrepreneurs can receive support or benefits at more than 70 marketplaces, where conclusion of a foreign trade contract is guaranteed. Such platforms include Tmall, Epindpuo and Taobao, JD.com, Pinduoduo.com, 1688.com, Etsy.com, Kaufland.de, Kaufbei.de, Amazon.de, DTAD.de. Manufacturers of food products, consumer goods, household and sports goods, toys and some other goods can take advantage of the support.

Moscow enterprises are invited to participate in international exhibitions under the united brand Made in Moscow. This November, the Moscow Export Center supported 20 enterprises at the Medica exhibition in Dusseldorf. They produce medical equipment, software, reagents for laboratories, prostheses and other medical products.