Modern Trade in Services in the EAEU

Abstract

Aim. The purpose of this study is to analyze the EAEU services market from 2015 to 2024 and to describe its changes during the post-pandemic recovery and geopolitical shifts of 2022. Methods. This article employs a historical and legal approach to examine the formation and development of the single services market; a comparative analysis to assess the position of EAEU member countries within the Eurasian integration services market; and a statistical method to quantify the standing of EAEU member countries in the services market. Results. The findings indicate that the share of mutual trade in services within the total trade in services is insignificant; trade flows between countries are distributed unevenly; and the position of the Russian Federation is dominant. It is established that the recovery of mutual trade in services within the EAEU in the post-pandemic period outpaced the recovery of overall trade in services. The study also shows that countries responded differently to the external shocks of 2020 and 2022. Conclusions. No significant changes were observed in the EAEU services market between 2015 and 2021. The 2020 pandemic negatively impacted services trade development in all EAEU countries. The events of 2022 and the ensuing sanctions pressure led to a reorientation of trade flows and a change in the positions of all EAEU member countries. The liberalization measures initiated at the beginning of the third decade resulted in an increase in services trade in 2023–2024.