Potential for the development of mutual trade in food products in the Russian-Belarusian border region (using the example of the Smolensk, Vitebsk and Mogilev regions)

Issue № 5, 2026, article № 16, pages 127-138

Section: ABROAD

Language: Russian

Original language title: ПОТЕНЦИАЛ РАЗВИТИЯ ВЗАИМНОЙ ТОРГОВЛИ ПРОДОВОЛЬСТВЕННЫМИ ТОВАРАМИ В РОССИЙСКО-БЕЛОРУССКОМ ПРИГРАНИЧЬЕ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ СМОЛЕНСКОЙ, ВИТЕБСКОЙ И МОГИЛЕВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТЕЙ)

Keywords: CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION, TRADE POTENTIAL, RUSSIAN-BELARUSIAN BORDERLAND, SMOLENSK REGION, VITEBSK REGION, MOGILEV REGION, INTERREGIONAL TRADE, UNION STATE

Abstract: The relevance of this article stems from the need for an in-depth study of cross-border food trade between the regions of Russia and Belarus in the context of the transformation of the geoeconomic space and the strengthening of integration processes within the Union State. The authors conducted a comprehensive analysis of trade in finished food products, paying particular attention to a comparative assessment of the production capacities of the food and processing industries of the participating regions, as well as an analysis of the presence of Belarusian and Russian goods in the trade infrastructure. The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) was used to measure market concentration, revealing structural imbalances in the markets under study. The results of the analysis reveal significant asymmetries in the market structure. In particular, in the Smolensk Region, Belarusian products dominate, as evidenced by an average share of 41.75% across all food categories and up to 60% in the meat category. However, goods from Smolensk are virtually absent from the Belarusian market, accounting for no more than 2.5%. Calculations of the HHI index revealed a high degree of market concentration in the Vitebsk and Mogilev regions, exceeding 6,300 units, indicating the presence of severe institutional barriers. The authors systematized the factors hindering trade development and identified promising areas for strengthening cooperation, particularly in the grocery sector of the Mogilev region, where Russian goods account for 40%. The recommendations developed are aimed at optimizing food industry development strategies, increasing food security in border regions, and strengthening interregional trade ties.

Authors: Kuzavko Anton Sergeevich, Nikolskii IAroslav Sergeevich