China remains Russia’s largest trading partner for the 16th consecutive year

Tuesday 08 September 2026 - 11:47

By: Azzat Manal

China remains Russia’s largest trading partner for the 16th consecutive year

Trade between Russia and China continued to expand in the first eight months of 2026, further strengthening Beijing’s position as Moscow’s largest trading partner for the 16th consecutive year.

According to Chinese customs data, bilateral trade reached $185.05 billion between January and August, representing a 28.4% increase compared with the same period a year earlier.

Russian exports to China rose by 26.5% to $100.37 billion, while Chinese exports to Russia increased at a faster pace, climbing 30.7% to $84.68 billion. The figures left Russia with a trade surplus of roughly $15.7 billion during the period.

The latest data also point to an acceleration in bilateral commerce. Trade had grown by 26.3% during the January-July period, indicating that economic exchanges between the two countries continued to gain momentum as the year progressed.

The expansion reflects the growing importance of China in Russia’s external trade, particularly as Moscow has faced increasing restrictions on its economic relations with Western countries. Energy, machinery, industrial equipment and other manufactured goods remain important components of bilateral trade.

China has maintained its position as Russia’s leading trading partner since 2011. Although bilateral trade declined by 6.9% in 2025 after two consecutive record-breaking years, partly amid concerns over potential secondary sanctions from the United States, the relationship returned to growth at the beginning of 2026.

Based on the current pace, bilateral trade could surpass $250 billion this year, potentially setting a new record and exceeding the $244.8 billion recorded in 2024. The figures underline the deepening economic ties between Moscow and Beijing and the growing role of China in Russia’s trade strategy.