The article deals with the involvement of the Russian Federation into the world prevailing tendency of liberalization of trade relations between countries by means of the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreements. The analysis of foreign trade relations was considered between the Russian Federation and Vietnam by calculating indexes, trade indicators and using the GTAP model. Also the consequences for Russia’s economy and welfare at conclusion of Free Trade Agreement with Vietnam were revealed. Besides, there are identified countries with which the deepening of the bilateral trade relations may have perspective impact on the industrial and economic development of Russia.

The article deals with the introduction of trade sanctions against Russia over the situation in Ukraine. The analysis of concepts such as sanctions, challenges and threats in the context of the topic. We consider the drop in the international crude oil market prices, as well as the ruble against the dollar and euro. Characterized by the crisis of the Russian economy due to the introduction of foreign sanctions. Recommendations on the exit of the Russian economy from the crisis and eliminate the consequences of the imposed.

In the article the main attention is focused on the analysis of provisions the OECD Arrangement on officially supported export credits regulated the mechanisms for calculation commercial interest reference rates and minimum premium rates. According to the analysis we proposed an original methodology of calculation the minimum interest rate level on the basis of subsidy in russian rubles. Practical application of presented in the article materials will allow to solve specific tasks of determining maximum permissible level to subsidy the interest rates of export credits as well as it will be interesting to the specialists in the field of formation the industrial policy.

The article examines foreign direct investment in US manufacturing and the influence of the american affiliates of foreign companies on US exports and imports at the beginning XXI century. The activities of the foreign companies’ affiliates have been analyzed as a factor for the economy dynamics, jobs creation in US, as well as for the external trade; expenditures for research and development. It has been pointed out that US affiliates’ exports and imports have become an important part of the US goods exchange with other countries. Special attention has been paid to recent capital inflow trends by source or destination country; foreign direct investment from China with rapid growth, in particular.

The article reveals the dynamics and the role of foreign direct investment in Africa south of the Sahara. Under African conditions to attract investment in agriculture helps to significantly increase the efficiency of use of the basic factors of production - land and labor. Of particular importance for the African agriculnure is attracting foreign investment associated with the development of fixed assets - capital holdings of objects, as well as in the construction and modernization of rural infrastructure (warehouses, dams, roads, etc.). The article shows that the fixed capital investment and involvement of the local workforce are crucial factors in the growth of productivity in agricultural production.

The article considers various estimates of shale oil reserves and tendencies of world oil market development taking into account unconventional sources of liquid hydrocarbons. The most significant results of oil "shale revolution" are: growth of reliable reserves and production of shale oil in the USA in 2009-2013 and noticeable decrease in US economy dependence of oil import. The conclusion is self-sufficiency increase of oil reserves in certain countries and regions due to involvement unconventional oil in development. The factors constraining development of production of shale oil outside the USA are established.

The article presents the analysis, systematization of information and expert opinions on the use of planning, programming and budgeting system (PPBS) of the US Administration in order to promote trade and economic interests abroad. Particular emphasis is placed on the outcome of the implementation of the so-called Export Initiative of US President Barack Obama. Author makes a conclusion on the effectiveness of planning in building US foreign economic strategy.

The article discusses some directions of development of e-commerce in Russia. The authors present the factors of development of Russian e-commerce market in the long term. Briefly considered the Russian market of Express delivery, which in the last four years shows a steady growth, showing the emergence of new companies specializing in logistics outsourcing for Internet shopping. The authors identified current problems of e-commerce and attempts to show the basic ways of their solution.

The article is devoted to the topical problem of customs operation in the conditions imposed international sanctions against Russia. An attempt to reveal the main causes of the sanctions imposed. Identifies and describes the characteristic features of the reasons for the application of sanctions against our country. Considerable attention is given to possible approaches to develop proposals and recommendations to minimize the existing challenges and threats. As a research problem the author was determined to attempt to assess the effectiveness of the carried out reforms in the sphere of foreign economic policy. Substantiates the idea that a well-organized customs service, clearly thought-out and balanced customs policy when interacting with the relevant Executive authorities can contribute, to contribute to overcoming the crisis state of the national economy and its sustainable growth.