Russia-China bilateral trade has exceeded US$200 billion for three consecutive years, with China remaining vital for Russia’s economy. Key exports for Russia are oil and gas, while China sends cars, electronics, and industrial components, with both nations deepening strategic cooperation and substantial joint infrastructure projects and connectivity despite global pressures. The trade mix however is changing as Russia looks to access markets deeper into the country and its significant Central and Southern populations.
We are the essential source for Russia-China business and provide in-depth analysis of bilateral trade, investment, joint ventures, and market entry strategies. This is your guide to succeeding in this critical partnership.
China-Russia bilateral trade grew by 15% in Q1 2026, with some surprising trade growth areas aside from oil and gas. In March alone, trade was up 20% on the same time last year. We identify the primary trade growth drivers and compare with previous years.
Chinese investors have provided heavy duty equipment for expanding Russia’s Osterra Port near Khabarovsk in the Russian Far East. The port is a major gateway for Russian coal exports to the Asia Pacific.
Russia’s Rostec, in conjunction with Chinese investors, is building a cross-border ‘hydrogen fuel corridor’ in the Russian Far East to better service their bilateral highway logistics capabilities. Hydrogen fuel cells perform better in cold weather conditions than either diesel or electric trucks, but a supply chain network of filling stations needs to be established.
The Russian Ministry of Finance has stated it is looking at issuing Chinese Yuan-denominated bonds to replace expiring Euro-bonds and may do so as early as May. It is the latest in on-going, consistent moves to remove the US dollar and Euro from the Russian governments trade portfolio and replace them with alternative, mainly Asian currencies.
China’s imports of Russian soybean are at their highest level in nearly three years as agricultural supply chains shifts elsewhere prove beneficial to Russian exports. The crop is a staple of Chinese cuisine.
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The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has visited Beijing and met with China’s President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. We deep dive the meetings, what was discussed and examine the near 15% Russia-China bilateral trade growth achieved in Q1 2026.
Global supplies of helium have dropped by 30% after Qatar, the world’s largest producer has had exports dry up as a result of the Iran war. The United States is now the largest global exporter and is making huge mark ups on supplies to its allies. Russia is the world’s third largest exporter and has banned exports to ‘unfriendly countries’. Helium is a critical gas for use in semi-conductor and other hi-tech manufacturing. This is very bad news for European and some East Asian IT manufacturers, with global ramifications.
The development of the multipolar world is taking effect. We feature analysis of what this means for the United States, China, the European Union, United Kingdom and Russia in an article especially written for Russia’s Pivot To Asia’s readers by a Russian State Councillor.
Logistical problems in the Middle East, combined with increased costs for shipping oil and gas from others sources in North America, Latin America and Africa mean that East Asian governments are once again looking at Russia and the Northern Sea Route for deliveries. We examine the pros and cons.
Russia’s Vladivostok is discussing direct flights with China’s Yinchang. The latter is famous for the Three Gorges, Dams and River Cruises and has a population of over 4 million, all of whom live inland and would also want to experience Vladivostok’s Pacific coastal charms.
Middle East uncertainties continue to reorganise supply chains throughout Eurasia. This is leading to a resumption of plans to recommence work on a second planned Russian gas pipeline transiting Kazakhstan to feed consumer markets in China. The plans would also help energise Kazakhstan’s northern regions.
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