Part 4/13:
Manufacturing Heavy Machinery: The country continues producing tractors and industrial vehicles—mainstays of its export portfolio—mostly for neighboring post-Soviet states. Such industries, though slow-growing, provide steady employment and income, constituting about 15% of total exports.
Oil Refining and Middleman Role: Belarus lacks oil reserves but profits tremendously as an intermediary. It purchases Russian crude at discounted prices, refines it domestically, and re-exports the finished products globally at full market value. This system, sensitive to Moscow's political whims, remains lucrative despite sanctions.