Russia had a trade surplus of 18000 USD Million in April of 2014. Balance of Trade in Russia averaged 8789.50 USD Million from 1997 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 20356 USD Million in January of 2012 and a record low of -185 USD Million in February of 1998. Balance of Trade in Russia is reported by the Central Bank of Russia. Russia's balance of trade has only increased since 1998. Their GDP has risen because their imports and exports has balanced out just right so that they profit from their exports. Especially oil, Russia is able to increase the price and not worry about losing business. This is because that oil and fuels are a NEED for other countries to be able to function. Think about the cars and planes and trains. They all need oil to run. A country without oil is without transportation. This is why Russia has such a great balance of trade, due to the fact that they have control in the fuel market.