By Ali Al Zakary – Moscow & Dubai | May 9, 2026 | 4 min read
Imports from Russia reached $641,900 in first quarter, while chicory purchases fell 15%
📋 Executive Summary – Key Data from US Statistics Service
- 🇺🇸 Soluble coffee imports from Russia (Q1 2026): $641,900 (3.5x higher than Q1 2025)
- 📉 Soluble coffee imports (March 2026 only): $191,400 (25% drop from February 2026)
- 🇺🇸 Roasted chicory imports from Russia (Q1 2026): $13,800 (15% decrease year-over-year)
- 📈 Roasted chicory imports (March 2026 only): $3,400 (41% increase month-over-month, 20% increase year-over-year)
1. Soluble Coffee Imports from Russia Surge
The United States, in the first quarter of 2026, more than tripled its imports of soluble coffee from the Russian Federation, according to a RIA Novosti report citing data from the US statistical service (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Detailed breakdown:
- During the first three months of 2026, the US imported soluble coffee from Russia worth $641,900.
- This is 3.5 times higher than the same period in 2025 (Q1 2025).
- However, in March 2026 alone, shipment volumes fell by nearly a quarter — to $191,400.
2. Chicory Imports from Russia Decline
At the same time, the United States reduced its purchases of roasted chicory from Russia — an alternative to coffee — during the first quarter of 2026.
Detailed breakdown:
- For Q1 2026, chicory imports from Russia totaled $13,800.
- This represents a 15% decrease compared to Q1 2025.
- However, in March 2026, chicory purchases saw a 41% increase compared to February 2026, and a 20% increase compared to March 2025 — reaching $3,400.
3. Largest Suppliers to the US Market
Soluble Coffee:
The largest suppliers of soluble coffee to the United States were:
- 🇲🇽 Mexico
- 🇨🇴 Colombia
- 🇧🇷 Brazil
Chicory:
The largest suppliers of chicory to the United States were:
- 🇫🇷 France
- 🇮🇳 India
- 🇵🇱 Poland
4. Summary Table: US Imports from Russia, Q1 2026
| Product | Q1 2025 (estimated) | Q1 2026 | YoY Change | March 2026 | MoM Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soluble Coffee | ~$183,400 | $641,900 | ▲ 250% | $191,400 | ▼ 25% |
| Roasted Chicory | ~$16,200 | $13,800 | ▼ 15% | $3,400 | ▲ 41% |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where does this data come from?
A: The data was obtained by the RIA Novosti news agency from the US statistical service (Bureau of Labor Statistics) for the first quarter of 2026.
Q: How significant is the growth in soluble coffee imports from Russia?
A: Imports grew 3.5 times year-over-year — from approximately $183,400 in Q1 2025 to $642,000 in Q1 2026.
Q: What happened to chicory imports?
A: Quarterly chicory imports decreased by 15% compared to last year, but March saw a 41% month-over-month increase and a 20% year-over-year increase.
Q: Which countries are the largest suppliers of these products to the US?
A: For soluble coffee — Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil. For chicory — France, India, and Poland.
📌 Disclaimer
This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute individual investment advice.
✍️ About the author: Ali Al Zakary – Journalist based in Moscow and Dubai, specializing in foreign trade statistics analysis and economic relations between Russia and the Americas. Has been tracking US Bureau of Labor Statistics data since 2020.
Source: RIA Novosti, citing US statistical service (Bureau of Labor Statistics) data, May 2026.
