Russia’s agricultural watchdog has announced that securing access for the country’s winter wheat and barley to the Chinese market will be a key priority in 2025. This move comes despite expectations of a decline in Russia’s grain harvest and exports.
Key Highlights:
China’s Role:
As the world’s largest grain consumer, China has been increasing its imports of Russian grains, emerging as the top importer of Russian oats. However, it remains significantly behind Russia’s traditional buyers regarding wheat imports.
Historical Context:
Access to the Chinese market was a crucial focus during years of abundant harvests, as Russia aimed to diversify its export markets and reduce reliance on traditional customers in the Middle East and North Africa.
Current Challenges:
The outlook for Russia’s wheat harvest and exports is less optimistic for the coming year, primarily due to the poor condition of winter wheat in many producing regions. This has made the issue of export diversification less pressing.
Wheat Import Restrictions:
Currently, China permits only the import of spring wheat from Russia. In contrast, winter wheat, which constitutes about 90% of Russia’s total wheat harvest and offers higher yields and profitability for farmers, remains excluded.
Expanding Market Access:
The agricultural watchdog has outlined plans to seek access for a variety of other Russian products in the Chinese market, including:
Wheat bran
Food-grade soybean meal
Beet pulp with added molasses
Red beans
Mung beans
Amaranth
Flax cake
Millet
Mustard
Malt