“Pivot to the East” failed? China is reducing trade with russia
For the first time since the full-scale war began, russia has recorded a decline in trade with China. From January to July 2025, trade between the countries fell 8% year-on-year, down to $125.8 billion.
▫️ China has cut purchases of almost all key russian resources. Oil imports fell by 11%, oil products by 28%, LNG by 13%, timber by 10%, and coal by 10%. The only increase was in pipeline gas and non-ferrous metals — but this is clearly not enough to offset the overall decline.
▫️ Chinese businesses are limiting cooperation with russia to avoid losses and secondary sanctions. This directly contradicts kremlin propaganda, which for years claimed that the “China factor” guarantees the stability of russia’s economy.
The official acknowledgment of the trade decline shows that russia can no longer present itself as a “reliable partner” for China.
