Economic Activities in Belarus: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Belarus, with a population of approximately 9,132,629 (World Bank, 2024), is located in Eastern Europe. Belarus covers a total area of 207,630 square kilometers, ranking 82nd globally.

Belarus, with a GDP of approximately $75.96 billion (World Bank, 2024), holds a position among mid-sized European economies. In terms of GDP per capita, Belarus reached $8,317.60 (World Bank, 2024). Despite facing economic challenges since 2022 sanctions, Belarus continues to sustain growth driven by strong trade ties with Russia and other EAEU partners.

What are the economic activities of Belarus?

• Primary activities: approximately 7.2% of GDP (World Bank, 2023).
• Secondary activities: approximately 33.2% of GDP (World Bank, 2022).
• Tertiary activities: approximately 48.3% of GDP (World Bank, 2022).

Primary Sector of Belarus

With approximately 40% of the land dedicated to agriculture, Belarus produces a diverse range of products including milk, sugar beets, potatoes, wheat, triticale, barley, maize, rapeseed, rye, and apples.

Agriculture contributed approximately 7.2% to GDP in 2023 (World Bank), reflecting the continued importance of farming and food exports to the national economy.

With a diverse geological landscape, the primary sector thrives on abundant natural resources like timber, peat, oil, gas, granite, limestone, marl, chalk, sand, gravel, and clay. These resources play a vital role in driving the economy through industries such as forestry, mining, and construction.

Belarus oil economic activity is significant, with a daily production of around 33,973 barrels, ranking 42nd globally. The country holds 198 million barrels in reserves. This production contributes to the economy, diversifying its primary sector and supporting industries such as energy and manufacturing.

Belarus gas production of 30 million m3 contributes to its economy, though the country is a net importer of natural gas primarily from Russia.

Secondary Sector of Belarus

What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?

In Belarus, main industrial products include metal-cutting machine tools, tractors, trucks, motorcycles, synthetic fibers, textiles, refrigerators, washing machines, and household appliances. The largest state-owned enterprise by revenue is Belaruskali, one of the worlds largest potash fertilizer producers and Belarus biggest single taxpayer, headquartered in Soligorsk.

The secondary sector (industry) contributed approximately 33.2% to GDP in 2022 (World Bank).

Tertiary sector of Belarus

What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?

The tertiary sector in Belarus encompasses various services where individuals provide knowledge and time to enhance productivity and meet needs. Key activities include healthcare, education, banking, communication, transportation, and security services. These sectors play a vital role in the economy, offering intangible goods and expertise to both consumers and businesses.

Services contributed approximately 48.3% to GDP in 2022 (World Bank). Belarus economy relies on tourism; popular destinations include the historic Mir Castle Complex and Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. Note: international tourist arrivals declined significantly after 2020 due to political events and subsequent Western travel restrictions; pre-2020 figures of approximately 11.8 million annual arrivals are no longer current.

Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with approximately 11.8 million subscriptions, supporting technological growth by enhancing connectivity, fostering innovation, and enabling digital services.

Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Belarus

In Belarus, military spending supports various sectors. The primary sector provides resources needed for military use, while the secondary sector focuses on making military equipment. The tertiary sector includes services offered by the military, and the quaternary sector is about research and development. Lastly, the quinary sector involves high-level decisions and strategies for military operations.

In 2023, Belarus had a military expenditure of approximately $1,579 million, equivalent to approximately 1.80% of GDP (World Bank / SIPRI). The country has an active military force of approximately 45,350 personnel.

International Trade of Belarus

Import Activities of Belarus

Belarus imports goods and services totaling approximately $47.6 billion in 2023 (World Bank / UN Comtrade), equivalent to approximately 66% of GDP. Note: the prior figure of $4.2 billion (57.87% of GDP) was a data error and has been corrected; actual 2023 imports were approximately 11x larger.

Belarus imports a variety of goods including energy (natural gas, crude oil), machinery, chemicals, vehicles, and consumer goods. Following 2022 sanctions, import partners have shifted significantly toward Russia and China, with reduced trade with EU countries.

Exports Activities of Belarus

Belarus total exports (goods and services) in 2023 amounted to approximately $48.0 billion (World Bank / UN Comtrade), accounting for approximately 65% of GDP. Export activities play a crucial role in driving the economy.

Belarus primarily exports fertilizers (potash), refined petroleum, machinery and equipment, food products, and wood products. Following 2022 sanctions, export partners have shifted heavily toward Russia and other CIS/EAEU countries.

Belarus economy challenges in 2024

In 2024, Belarus faces ongoing challenges from Western sanctions imposed since 2022, which have restricted access to EU and US markets and financial systems. The economy has adapted by deepening ties with Russia and redirecting trade through non-Western partners. Declining Russian energy subsidies, growing public debt, currency pressures, and price controls on essentials continue to constrain growth. Public sector wage hikes persist despite a fragile private sector.

Sources

• World Bank: Belarus Country Data
• IMF: Belarus Country Profile
• CIA World Factbook: Belarus
• UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
• World Bank / SIPRI: Military Expenditure

Last updated: June 20, 2026