Trade between Russia and China increased sharply during the first six months of 2026, highlighting stronger economic ties between the two countries. Official data released on Tuesday showed bilateral trade reached $134.2 billion, representing a 25.6% increase compared with the same period last year.
The latest figures indicate a strong recovery after bilateral trade declined in 2025 for the first time in five years. Analysts had attributed last year’s slowdown to weaker Chinese vehicle exports to Russia and lower Russian oil revenues.
Russian Exports Lead Growth
According to the official data, Russian exports to China rose 23.3% between January and June, reaching $73.6 billion. Meanwhile, imports from China increased even faster, climbing 28.4% to $60.6 billion.
Despite the rapid growth in imports, Russia maintained a trade surplus with its largest trading partner during the reporting period.
Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the continued expansion in bilateral trade while meeting Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Putin said trade between the two countries had continued to grow steadily and expressed hope that the positive momentum would continue.
Economic Partnership Continues to Expand
China also reported strong overall foreign trade growth during the first half of 2026. Official customs data showed the country’s total trade increased by 21.2% to $3.67 trillion.
Chinese exports rose 17.6% to $2.13 trillion, while imports recorded even stronger growth, increasing 26.6% to reach $1.55 trillion.
Russia and China have significantly expanded their political and economic cooperation since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Since then, both governments have repeatedly described their relationship as a “no-limits” partnership.
Furthermore, Russia has become increasingly dependent on China as a major export market for its oil. Western sanctions and reduced access to European markets have encouraged Moscow to strengthen trade relations with Beijing, making China one of Russia’s most important economic partners.
The latest trade figures underline the growing importance of the Russia-China economic partnership as both countries continue expanding commercial cooperation despite ongoing geopolitical challenges and shifting global trade patterns.
