Russia’s Balance of Payments in Q2 2020

Alexandra V. Bozhechkova – Head of Monetary Policy Department of the Gaidar Institute; Senior Researcher of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Candidate of Economic Sciences (Moscow, Russia). E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pavel V. Trunin – Head of Center for Macroeconomics and Finance of the Gaidar Institute; Director of Center for Сentral Banks Studies of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Doctor of Economic Sciences (Moscow, Russia). Е-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In Q2 2020, Russia’s positive trade balance plunged due to a decrease in quantum shipments and export prices on commodities exported by Russia. In April-June, net outflow of capital was observed on the back of priority growth of foreign financial assets of non-oil and gas sector, as well as contraction of banks’ foreign liabilities. Measures adopted by the monetary authorities in spring 2020 aimed at maintaining financial sustainability translated into keeping the ruble’s exchange rate close to equilibrium values. As a result, in Q2 2020 the exchange rate averaged Rb72 per USD.

Key words: balance of payments, export, import, current account transaction, ruble exchange rate, outflow/inflow of capital, Bank of Russia.