Chinese Exports To Russia Collapse To Record Levels

• 7.11.2025, 15:16

Sanctions are hitting trade.

China's exports to Russia fell sharply in October, showing the biggest drop in eight months. The trade is increasingly under pressure from Western sanctions, logistical disruptions and lower demand, RBC-Ukraine reported, citing Reuters.

Russian imports to China rose only 2.5% in October, also a slowdown from September's 3.8%. Overall, China's exports to Russia fell 11.9% year-on-year in the first ten months of 2025.

China's customs administration this time did not release details on the categories of goods that sagged the most.

China's total dollar exports also unexpectedly fell in October after months of robust shipments on the eve of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff hikes.

The pace of trade between China and Russia has slowed markedly since record highs in 2024, despite efforts by both governments to safeguard economic interaction from Western pressure.

Beijing faces new U.S. tariffs and restrictions on technology imports, while Moscow faces increasingly tough sanctions over the war against Ukraine.

Chinese state-owned energy companies have already suspended purchases of Russian oil transported by sea after the U.S. imposed sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil.

With this backdrop, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin visited China for talks with Premier Li Qiang and Chinese leader Si Jinping.

The two sides said they are ready to jointly counter unilateral Western sanctions and develop cooperation in energy, agriculture and trade.