China’s Purchases of Russian Wheat Rise Sevenfold in January-August 2026
China imported $17.6 million of Russian wheat in January-August 2026, seven times the value recorded a year earlier. Russian barley shipments more than doubled to $112.3 million, while corn sales rose 1.4 times to $95.9 million.
Wheat purchases increase sevenfold
China sharply increased purchases of Russian grain during the first eight months of 2026, expanding the value of trade across wheat, barley and corn. According to Market Power, Chinese imports of Russian wheat reached $17.6 million in January-August, seven times the level recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
The increase was substantial in percentage terms, although wheat remained the smallest of the three reported grain flows by value. Barley shipments from Russia to China rose by more than twofold to $112.3 million, making barley the largest category covered by the data. Russian corn sales increased 1.4 times to $95.9 million.
The figures describe trade in monetary terms and do not provide shipment volumes or average prices. As a result, the reported increases cannot be divided between changes in physical quantities and changes in unit values. They nevertheless show that China spent more on all three Russian grains during the period.
Russia advances among China’s suppliers
Russia ranked fifth among China’s wheat suppliers, behind Canada, Australia, the United States and Argentina, Market Power reported. In barley, Russia held fourth place, while in corn it ranked third. These positions indicate that Russia has established a presence in several parts of the Chinese grain market, though it has not become the leading supplier in any of the three categories.
August shipments maintained the same ordering by value. Russian wheat deliveries to China were worth $4.6 million during the month, compared with $15.7 million for barley and $9.1 million for corn. Wheat therefore accounted for more than a quarter of its January-August value in August alone, while the monthly figures for barley and corn were smaller relative to their eight-month totals.
For Russian producers and traders, the figures point to a broader Chinese sales channel across feed grains and milling wheat. For Chinese buyers, Russia provides an additional origin alongside established suppliers in North and South America and Australia. The source data do not specify grain quality, destination within China, contract terms or the companies involved.
Market access remains restricted
The range of grain eligible for shipment remains an important constraint. China currently permits imports only of Russian spring wheat and spring barley, according to Market Power. Winter varieties are not covered by the existing access arrangements.
Russian industry experts cited by the publication regard winter wheat and winter barley as the varieties with the greatest export potential. The Russian side is seeking authorization to supply these grains to the Chinese market. No timetable for a decision or details of the regulatory process were provided.
Expanded access could increase the number of Russian regions and producers able to serve Chinese customers, but any commercial effect would depend on approval and subsequent contracting. Until then, growth must come from the grain categories and varieties already permitted. The January-August results show rapid expansion from the previous year’s base, while the absolute trade values and supplier rankings underline that competition from other origins remains significant.
