Russia's Fish Exports to China Surge Over 50%

Ilyushin, Director of the Russian Agro-Export Development Center, stated during the Russia-China "Budding" Forum that in January-July 2026, Russia's fish export volume and value to China grew 14% and 54% year-on-year respectively, reaching 844,000 tons and USD 2.4 billion.

Record Growth

Ilyushin said: "From January to July 2026, Russia exported 844,000 tons of fish and seafood to China, with export value exceeding USD 2.4 billion. Export volume and value grew 14% and 54% year-on-year respectively."

According to the Russian Agro-Export Development Center, frozen fish was the most exported product to China, with an export value exceeding USD 1.4 billion. This was followed by crustacean products (approximately USD 776 million), fish meal (over USD 152 million), fish fillets (approximately USD 58 million), and shellfish products (over USD 19 million).

Ilyushin noted: "In the first seven months of 2026, both the volume and value of Russia's fish and seafood exports to China showed record-breaking growth. Previously, the highest export volume and value for the same period were recorded in 2025."

Absolute Growth Leaders

Ilyushin also stated that frozen fish saw the largest absolute growth in export value, with a year-on-year increase of USD 635 million. Crustacean products and fish meal saw export value increases of USD 143 million and USD 55 million respectively.

Russia-China "Budding" Forum

The international forum "Budding: Russia and China—Mutually Beneficial Cooperation" was held in Kazan from August 16 to 19. The forum has been held annually in the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan since 2023, serving as a platform for developing economic cooperation between Russian regions and Chinese provinces.