Exports of Russian dairy products to China increased by 20%.
The key factors driving growth were:
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Milk and cream with a fat content of no more than 1.5% — 131 tons (a 5.3-fold increase);
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Milk and cream with a fat content of no more than 6% — 553 tons (a 94% increase);
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Whey — 2.5 thousand tons (a 31% increase).
In addition, Russian producers have begun actively entering the Chinese cheese market. In the first five months of this year, 32 tons of cheese worth 146 thousand USD were exported to China, compared to just 200 kg worth 6 thousand USD during the same period in 2024.
Russian dairy exports to China are still in the early stages of development. Nevertheless, the outlook is promising, given that China is the world’s second-largest importer of dairy products after Germany.
The growth of raw milk production in Russia supports its export ambitions. In 2024, production exceeded 34 million tons, enabling not only the supply of the domestic market but also the active development of exports.
Notably, exports of skimmed milk powder (SMP) from Russia to China increased sevenfold in the first five months of 2025.
According to forecasts, by 2030, exports could double and surpass 11 billion USD, primarily driven by an expanded range of dairy, meat, and food products, as well as increased shipments of vegetable oils.
Russian-Chinese bilateral trade continues to show steady growth. In 2024, total trade turnover exceeded 9 billion USD, doubling since 2018. Russian exports to China reached 6.4 billion USD in 2024.
It is also noted that as of June 15, 2025, Russia’s exports to China increased by another 8%, reaching 3.1 billion USD. By the end of the year, the total export volume is expected to exceed 7 billion USD.
A significant share of the export structure is occupied by oil and fat products. Russia remains the largest supplier of sunflower and rapeseed oil to China. Since 2018, exports in this category have increased 4.5 times.
In 2024, Russia accounted for 58% of China’s rapeseed oil imports, and shipments in the first five months of the current year grew by 44% in value and by 32% in physical volume.
There has also been a sharp increase in the export of sunflower and rapeseed meal: more than fourfold, reaching 215 thousand tons and 228 thousand tons, respectively.
