China Cuts Russia - Joe Blogs

[TexasTowelie]

China and Russia’s economic partnership is losing momentum. After years of rapid growth driven by sanctions and energy rerouting, bilateral trade fell in 2025 for the first time in five years — and the slowdown is now visible across trade flows, oil volumes, and export values.

The data shows a clear shift. China’s imports from Russia have declined, Russian crude shipments to China have flattened, and the US-dollar value of oil exports has dropped sharply as prices weaken. At the same time, Russia’s imports from China have fallen, signaling that even Moscow’s most important trading relationship is starting to cool.

The outlook for 2026 looks more challenging still. Sanctions are tightening, enforcement is increasing, and major Russian energy producers such as Rosneft and Lukoil are now directly in the firing line. That raises fresh risks around export volumes, payments, and Russia’s ability to sustain trade — even with China.

What was once framed as a strategic alternative to the West is now showing clear signs of strain.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:55 BILATERAL
4:08 CHIAN IMPORTS
6:02 OIL VOLUMES
8:08 OIL VALUE
9:57 RUSSIAN IMPORTS
13:13 2026