Russia and China expand trade with record grain and energy exports

Russian cereal exports to China have reached record levels, with deliveries hitting six million tons since the start of 2026. This volume already exceeds the total amount exported throughout 2025, according to Rosselkhoznadzor. The shipments, which include Hong Kong, primarily consist of barley, wheat, soy, wheat flour, and legumes.

This agricultural growth mirrors a deepening economic relationship between Moscow and Beijing, reinforced by Western sanctions following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The energy sector remains a primary pillar of this partnership; China has become a critical market for Russian crude oil and fossil fuels, helping to offset reduced sales to Europe.

Data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (Crea) indicates that between December 2022 and September 2026, China absorbed approximately half of Russia's crude oil exports and 36% of its coal exports. In September alone, China accounted for 55% of Russia's fossil fuel export revenue from its top five buyers, totaling 9.1 billion euros. According to the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), Russian oil imports rose by 18.3% during the first nine months of 2026.