Russia captures 18% of China's poultry import market in 2025

Russian poultry exports to China have reached unprecedented levels, with Russia securing an 18% share of the Chinese poultry import market in the first seven months of 2025. This marks a significant increase from the previous year's 14%, making Russia the second-largest poultry exporter to China.

Background

The uptick in Russian poultry exports comes despite a 0.8% decline in China's overall poultry imports this year. Russia exported 80,000 tonnes of poultry to China from January to August 2025, a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth is particularly noteworthy as China has recently reopened its market to Argentine poultry and continues to import from Brazil. Additionally, China's own poultry production is on the rise, with a 42% increase in exports during the first half of 2025.

Market Implications

The expansion of Russian poultry exports is part of a broader trend of increasing agricultural trade between Russia and China. Russian agricultural exports to China rose by 10% in the first seven months of 2025, reaching a value of $4 billion. Notably, Russian pork exports to China also saw a significant surge, increasing by 140%. The Russian Poultry Union has highlighted the eastern export vector as a key driver for the Russian poultry industry's positive dynamics.

Focus on Chicken Feet

A significant portion of Russian poultry exports to China consists of chicken feet, which are considered a delicacy in China but are not popular in Russia. Approximately 76% of these exports are chicken feet, aligning well with Chinese consumer preferences without impacting Russian domestic markets.

Russian products fit seamlessly into the Chinese market's consumption patterns.

The Russian Poultry Union

Expanding Trade Relations

The growth in poultry exports is indicative of strengthening trade relations between Russia and China. As China continues to increase its domestic poultry production, competition in the global market is expected to intensify. The Russian Poultry Union acknowledges the challenges ahead, noting that China is becoming a formidable competitor on the global stage.

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