Russia's meat exports to China jump 40% in early 2026, led by pork
Russian exports of pork, beef and edible offal to China rose 1.4 times in the first five months of 2026, reaching more than 53,000 tonnes worth almost $156 million, according to Agroexport data cited by Interfax. Pork accounted for the bulk of shipments at 46,500 tonnes.
Russian meat shipments to China climb sharply
Russian exports of meat and edible offal from pigs and cattle to China rose 1.4 times in the first five months of 2026, according to data from Agroexport cited by Interfax. Shipments exceeded 53,000 tonnes worth almost $156 million, underscoring the deepening agricultural trade relationship between the two countries.
Pork dominated the flow. Exports of pork and edible pig offal reached 46,500 tonnes, while beef and edible cattle offal came to 6,700 tonnes. The concentration in pork reflects the product's leading role in Russia's meat trade with the Chinese market.
How 2026 compares with the previous year
The 2026 figures follow a full year of expanding sales. In 2025, Russia sold China more than 76,000 tonnes of pork worth $191 million, according to the same Agroexport data cited by Interfax. Beef supplies that year reached 23,000 tonnes, valued at more than $122 million.
The pace recorded in the first five months of 2026 keeps Russia on a trajectory of rising volumes to the Chinese market. For importers and exporters, the near-$156 million booked in just five months signals sustained demand and a widening supply channel from Russian producers.
Beef shipments hit multi-year high
Separate customs data point to a strong recovery in the beef segment. According to China's General Administration of Customs, Russia supplied frozen beef worth $14 million to China in February 2026 — the highest monthly reading since May 2023.
The beef relationship has become increasingly significant for both sides. Last year, China was the main buyer of Russian beef, importing more than 18,500 tonnes, the sources indicate.
What the flows mean for the market
- Total pig and cattle meat and offal exports to China: more than 53,000 tonnes for almost $156 million in five months of 2026.
- Pork and pig offal: 46,500 tonnes.
- Beef and cattle offal: 6,700 tonnes.
- 2025 pork sales: over 76,000 tonnes worth $191 million.
- 2025 beef sales: 23,000 tonnes worth more than $122 million.
The combination of a 1.4-times increase across the two categories and a multi-year high in monthly frozen beef values points to broadening access for Russian meat in China. For market analysts tracking trade flows, pork remains the anchor of the relationship, while beef is the fastest-recovering line by value.
