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Russia-China Trade Turnover Up 19.7% in January–April 2026
Trade turnover between Russia and China rose 19.7% year-on-year to $85.24 billion in January–April 2026, according to Chinese customs data. In a separate development, Russia secured the right to export compound feed to China following the signing of a veterinary and sanitary protocol.
By Tertius News AI Desk1 outlet · 1 distinct · 4 articlesVersion 1Coverage Published
Lead
Trade turnover between Russia and China rose 19.7% year-on-year to $85.24 billion in January–April 2026, according to data from the General Administration of Customs of China, as reported by TASS. The two countries also moved to deepen agricultural ties, with Russia securing the right to export compound feed to the Chinese market.
Coverage comparison
TASS, the Russian state news agency, reported on both the trade statistics and the agricultural protocol. The trade figures, released in early May, show exports from China to Russia grew by 23.1% to $37.83 billion, while Russian supplies to China rose by 17% to approximately $47.41 billion. Russia's trade surplus with China stood at $9.58 billion, nearly flat year-on-year.
In April alone, bilateral trade reached $23.7 billion, up 7% month-on-month, with Chinese exports to Russia at $10.16 billion (up 8.4%) and Russian imports to China at $13.54 billion (up 6.1%).
Separately, on May 20, TASS reported that Russian Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut and Sun Meijun, Director of the General Administration of Customs of China, signed a protocol on veterinary and sanitary requirements for compound feed exports from Russia to China. The signing occurred during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing, timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Russian-Chinese Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation.
Key Claims
Trade growth: Trade turnover between China and Russia increased 19.7% year-on-year to $85.24 billion in January–April 2026, as reported by the General Administration of Customs of China via TASS.
Surplus: Russia's trade surplus with China reached $9.58 billion in the period, almost flat year-on-year.
Commodity mix: The bulk of Russian goods exported to China by value are oil, natural gas, and coal, with other commodities including copper, timber, fuel, seafood, and agricultural products.
Compound feed access: Russia has received the right to export compound feed to China following the signing of a protocol between the Russian Agriculture Ministry and China's customs authority.
Protocol requirements: The document defines requirements for raw materials, production, safety control, packaging, labeling, and veterinary support for each batch, and requires Russian exporters to comply with the international HACCP food safety management system.
Export diversification: Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov told the Izvestia daily that food supplies to China have increased significantly, and shipments of chemical products are expanding in both directions.
Made in Russia festivals: Russian Export Centre Director General Veronika Nikishina said that goods sold at Made in Russia festivals increased by 30% in volume and 45% in value in the first months of the year compared to the same period last year.
Changing perceptions: Nikishina also said that industrial goods, cosmetics, perfumes, and travel services are now actively represented on the Chinese market, challenging stereotypes about Chinese consumer preferences.
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Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimRussia has received the right to export compound feed to the Chinese market. The protocol formalizes the terms for Russian compound feed supplies to the Chinese market.
ClaimRussian Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut and Sun Meijun signed a protocol on veterinary and sanitary requirements for compound feed exported from Russia to China.
ClaimThe protocol defines requirements for raw materials and production, safety control, packaging, labeling, and veterinary support for each batch of product.