In a notable development, Russia has increased its share of poultry imports in China to an outstanding 18% during the first seven months of 2025, up from 14% the previous year.
As a result, Russia now holds the position of the second-largest poultry exporter to China. However, future growth prospects may be uncertain as China continues to ramp up its own poultry production.
Between January and August, Russia shipped 80,000 tonnes of poultry to China, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. The Russian Poultry Union reported that nearly half of Russia’s poultry export growth this year can be attributed to the Chinese market.
“The eastern export vector remains the key export driver for the Russian poultry industry and largely shapes the positive dynamics within the sector,” the Poultry Union stated.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Despite the overall decline of 0.8% in China’s total poultry imports this year, Russia’s achievement is remarkable. The Poultry Union notes that China has also resumed poultry imports from Argentina and continues to source from Brazil.
In parallel, China’s domestic poultry production is on the rise, positively impacting its export market. The country witnessed a staggering 42% increase in poultry exports, which reached 308,000 tonnes in the first half of 2025, as reported by the Poultry Union based on official statistical data.
“This indicates that China is evolving into a formidable competitor in the global market, making it increasingly challenging for other suppliers to secure their share,” the Poultry Union emphasized.
The Surprising Popularity of Chicken Feet
A striking 76% of Russian poultry exports to China consists of chicken feet, a product typically regarded as waste in Russia.
“Russian products align well with Chinese consumption patterns, while simultaneously alleviating domestic supply pressures in Russia,” the Poultry Union explained. “What may be viewed as undesirable in our country is welcomed as a delicacy in China.”
Broader Agricultural Cooperation
The increase in Russian poultry exports to China mirrors a broader trend of deepening agricultural ties between the two nations. According to Agroexport, the Russian government agency supporting food exporters, Russian agricultural exports to China surged by 10% to reach USD 4 billion in the first seven months of 2025.
This upsurge extends beyond poultry; Russian pork exports to China skyrocketed by 140%, showcasing a flourishing trade relationship between the two countries.
