Russia Making Gains in Meat Exports to China as Quality and Price Prove Competitive

Chinese meat importers have begun favoring Russian products, considering them more cost-effective and of higher quality than competitors, according to the Russian Agroexport federal center, in discussions during the Russian export business mission in Chengdu, China.

Yongli Sun, of Beijing Hopewise International Trading, began importing Russian meat in 2024. He said that initial meetings with Russian exporters took place in April last year, and since then over 10,000 tons of pork and beef have been imported. After conducting market research, Sun said that “Our analysis showed that Russian meat is cheaper, yet better in quality and popular among consumers. The entire supply chain is also fully established.” He added that Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering (HoReCa) sector buyers in China now specifically prefer Russian meat.

Sichuan Rong Ou Yuan Trade, which operates in Chengdu’s free trade zone, imports chicken parts from Russia, including chicken feet. These products are supplied to factories and wholesalers and also processed at their own facility. “To develop our company, we want to expand our procurement sources,” the company’s CEO, Hu Yue, said.

Some Chinese companies are only planning now to start working with Russian partners. There are several examples, such as Mi Yang, the co-founder and CEO of Shanghai Wewin Supply Chain Technology, who said the company currently imports beef from New Zealand, Australia, and South America. During the current business mission, negotiations were held with a Russian producer to supply Russian meat to Chinese food service establishments.

Techlex Foods Group (Tieqilishi Food) Vice President Edison Liu expressed interest in importing pork, chicken feet and wings, and feed. The Chengdu-based conglomerate operates in feed production, livestock farming, and food processing and is ready to work with Russian suppliers.

Ilya Ilyushin, the head of the Agroexport mission to Chengdu, said that China currently accounts for one-third of Russian meat export revenue. “Last year, Russia supplied over US$560 million worth of meat to China, and this year the figure will be higher. As of June this year, Russian meat exports to China have grown 42% in value terms compared to the same period last year.”

China is expected to maintain its leading position among buyers of Russian meat through 2030.