Russia Defies Sanctions with Growing Energy Exports to China

Russia has continued to increase its energy exports to China despite international sanctions. According to data from China's General Administration of Customs, Russia supplied China with 5.15 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in January-August 2026, a year-on-year increase of 28.2%. This represents a growth of 13.2% in monetary terms, reaching $2.66 billion.

Russia ranks third among LNG suppliers to China, behind Australia and Malaysia. In August alone, Russian LNG imports to China increased by 53.1% compared to July, reaching 951.15 thousand tons, with a value growth of 58.3% to $529.2 million.

Oil supplies from Russia to China also saw significant growth, increasing by 18.1% in January-August to reach 77.65 million tons. The monetary value of these imports grew by 33.3%, reaching $44.84 billion. Russia remains the largest oil exporter to China, ahead of Saudi Arabia and Brazil.