Export to China 2025: strategies, cases and recommendations

Export to China 2025 continues to be a priority direction for Russian business. Despite a decrease in trade turnover at the beginning of the year, certain sectors, such as the agro-industrial complex and anthracite supplies, demonstrate steady growth. Russian companies actively adapt their products to the Chinese market and build long-term strategies for securing success.

In 2024, trade turnover between Russia and China reached a record $245 billion (RBC). In January-May 2025, total trade turnover decreased by 8.2% to $88.8 billion: exports fell by 9.5%, and imports by 6.6%.

However, Russian companies found opportunities for growth in strategic sectors. The agro-industrial complex, oil, fish and seafood supplies showed an increase of 15% to 48%, while coal (anthracite) strengthens its position in the Chinese market

🐟 Agro-export: fish, meat and oil

Russian agro-export to China 2025 continues to actively develop. The main directions are fish, meat, peas, oil, and seafood. Fish supplies increased by 19%, and oil by 48%.

Companies achieve success by:

• certifying products according to Chinese standards,

• adapting branding to local requirements,

• participating in specialized exhibitions and fairs.

A mistake to avoid: copying European models. The Chinese market requires a localized approach and consideration of consumer preferences.

🛢️ Energy carriers and raw materials

Oil and gas exports have decreased due to falling global prices, but coal, especially anthracite, shows growth and occupies an important niche. Russian companies adapting deliveries to the actual needs of the Chinese market strengthen their positions and develop long-term contracts.

LSI-keys: coal export, energy supplies, raw materials market in China

⚙️ B2B goods and machine engineering

Supplies of machines and high-tech products show growth. Key success factors:

• localizing products to Chinese standards,

• certifying products,

• marketing through Tmall and Alibaba marketplaces.

This allows Russian companies to successfully establish themselves in the B2B supply segment to China 2025.

• Certification of products according to Chinese standards.

• Participation in exhibitions and fairs, promotion through Tmall and Alibaba.

• Digital marketing through WeChat and local platforms.

• Payments in yuan and rubles to reduce currency risks.

• Alternative logistics: rail and multimodal routes.

• Localization of marketing, packaging and language to the cultural specifics of China.

• Ignoring product certification.

• Exporting without adapting to local requirements.

• Underestimating financial and logistical risks.

• Short-term strategies instead of long-term planning.

• Overall decline in trade turnover – minus 8% for the first six months.

• Agro-export is growing – products such as oil, meat and fish are in demand.

• Energy supplies show mixed dynamics, but coal (anthracite) is strengthening its position.

• Infrastructure projects, including the “Power of Siberia”, open long-term prospects.

• Growing interest in localized B2B products and technological solutions.

Why is agro-export growing despite the overall decline in trade?
The Chinese market continues to need quality products that Russia can supply.

How to develop coal and gas exports?
Focus on in-demand grades of coal (anthracite) and utilize long-term gas pipelines.

How to develop B2B supplies to China?
Localization of products, compliance with standards and active work with Chinese platforms.

Export to China 2025 requires a strategic approach, flexibility and localization of business. Companies focusing on niche products and considering the specifics of the Chinese market have real chances for long-term growth and strengthening positions.

Main conclusion: success is built on differentiation, localization, and long-term strategy.