Chinese importers increasingly prefer Russian meat supplies - Agroexport

MOSCOW. June 25 (Interfax) - Chinese meat importers have recently been favoring Russian products, considering them more cost-effective and of higher quality, and this was demonstrated during discussions at a business mission of Russian agricultural exporters in Chengdu (China), the Agroexport federal center said.

Beijing Hopewise International Trading began importing Russian meat in 2024, company chairman Yongli Sun said. Initial meetings with exporters took place in April last year, and since then over 10,000 tonnes of pork and beef have been imported. "Our analysis showed that Russian meat is cheaper, yet better in quality and popular among consumers. The entire supply chain is also fully established," he said.

HoReCa sector buyers now specifically prefer Russian meat, he said.

Sichuan Rong Ou Yuan Trade, which operates in Chengdu's free trade zone, imports chicken parts from Russia including chicken feet. These products are supplied to factories and wholesalers, and also processed at their own facility. "To develop our company, we want to expand our procurement sources," the company's CEO Hu Yue said.

Some Chinese companies are only planning to start working with Russian partners. These include Utmostfresh Intelligent Cold Chain, Huapei Agricultural Development Group, Techlex Foods Group and others.

Mii Yang, the co-founder and CEO of Shanghai Wewin Supply Chain Technology Co., Ltd., said the company currently imports beef from New Zealand, Australia and South America. During the current business mission, negotiations were held with a Russian producer to supply Russian meat to Chinese food service establishments.

Techlex Foods Group (Tieqilishi Food) Vice President Edison Liu expressed interest in importing pork, chicken feet and wings, and feed. The Chengdu-based conglomerate operates in feed production, livestock farming and food processing, and is ready to work with Russian suppliers.

Agroexport head Ilya Ilyushin said that China currently accounts for one third of Russian meat export revenue. "Last year we supplied over $560 million worth of meat to China, and this year the figure will be higher. As of June 15, Russian meat exports to China grew 42% in value terms compared to the same period last year," he said.

China is expected to maintain its leading position among buyers of Russian meat through 2030.