Export potential of an agricultural region in the context of sanctions restrictions: diversification of production and optimization of transport logistics using the example of the Saratov region

Issue № 8, 2026, article № 8, pages 74-79

Language: Russian

Original language title: ЭКСПОРТНЫЙ ПОТЕНЦИАЛ АГРАРНОГО РЕГИОНА В УСЛОВИЯХ САНКЦИОННЫХ ОГРАНИЧЕНИЙ: ДИВЕРСИФИКАЦИЯ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА И ОПТИМИЗАЦИЯ ТРАНСПОРТНОЙ ЛОГИСТИКИ НА ПРИМЕРЕ САРАТОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

Keywords: EXPORT POTENTIAL, SARATOV REGION, SANCTIONS RESTRICTIONS, DIVERSIFICATION OF AGRICULTURE, LOGISTICS, FOOD SECURITY, NON-PRIMARY EXPORTS, INVESTMENTS IN AGRICULTURE, IMPORT SUBSTITUTION

Abstract: This study is aimed at adapting the agro-industrial complex of the Saratov region to sanctions restrictions by diversifying export flows, deepening the processing of agricultural raw materials and optimizing logistics routes. In recent years, the foreign trade activity of the Russian agro-industrial complex has changed significantly. The share of non-primary non-energy exports to Asia, the Middle East and Latin America has increased (36% and 24%, respectively), but dependence on overloaded land corridors of the southern direction has remained. A significant impact of industrial diversification on the economic results of the region has been established: the Saratov region has reached the 21st place in the Russian Federation in terms of non-primary non-energy exports, with an increase in the total output of agricultural products to 322.8 billion rubles and an index of physical volume of 111.2% by 2024. The analysis confirmed a positive relationship between investment activity (17.7 billion rubles, +3.5%) and the launch of new export destinations, including the certification of 15 enterprises for supplies to China. At the same time, the most effective support measures are compensation for transportation costs (up to 100% under the national project) and preferential loans (137 loans worth 3.7 billion rubles). However, there is a critical import dependence on sugar beet seeds (self-sufficiency level - 22%) and technical deterioration of the river fleet. Based on the analysis, recommendations have been formulated for the development of water transportation along the Volga, the replacement of imported seeds of industrial crops and the digitalization of transportation management.

Authors: Zagvozdkin Sergei Vladimirovich