World Order · Board game rules
Do Russia's commerce cards flip up during the preparation phase?
Quick answer
No, Russia's Commerce cards only flip face up when Russia produces a resource listed on them. [p.11 — Choose Focus]
Details
Commerce cards flip face up specifically when you produce a resource that appears on those cards. [p.11 — Choose Focus] This happens during the Produce Primary Resources step of the Preparation Phase (when you automatically gain Energy, Raw Materials, and Food based on your Production cubes) and whenever you use the Produce action during the Action Phase. [p.15 — Produce]
The rulebook states: "Whenever you produce a resource that is listed on your Commerce cards, turn all of those cards face up again. They represent surplus resources allocated for use in Trade." [p.11 — Choose Focus] Since Russia (like all players) only produces resources during specific moments tied to production, the Commerce cards won't flip up at other times during the Preparation Phase.