Introduction. The article examines the asymmetry of the development of the economic structure of Russian regions. It is caused by unevenness, multidirection, differences in qualitative and quantitative characteristics, and a temporary dichotomy of structural shifts in terms of the spatial structure of the country’s economy. Theoretical analysis. The author considers the concepts of symmetry and asymmetry of the economic structure of the region, as well as structural shifts in the regional economy. Various approaches of the asymmetry of the territorial economic structure measuring are studied, in particular, the method of deviation from standard parameters and the balance method. A comparative analysis of the asymmetry of the economic structure of Saratov and Samara regions is carried out. The author notes the development of the automobile industry in Samara and the electric power industry in the Saratov region that goes beyond symmetry. At the same time, these imbalances can have a positive impact, complementing each other in the process of cooperation of regional economic structures. Results. From the point of view of the theory of comparative advantages, it is concluded that asymmetric structural shifts within regions can lead to an increase in structural symmetry in interregional economic systems. At the same time, there is a synergetic interaction of the structure of the economy of different regions, which leads to an increase in productivity and efficiency of the national economy as a whole.