Russian grain exporters explore a China transit route

The Russian Grain Association is examining whether grain could be shipped through Chinese ports to overseas markets. Its executive director, Xenia Bolomatova, called the route promising amid logistics constraints in the Azov–Black Sea basin.

Bolomatova said transit through China could expand shipments to Asia-Pacific markets. She noted that deliveries from Baltic ports to Indonesia are more difficult, while additional logistics costs weaken the competitiveness of Russian grain for Asian buyers.

The Baltic route can serve Russia’s established markets, including the Middle East, Turkey and North Africa, according to the association head. Costs remain a constraint: in August, Vedomosti, citing sources, reported that rerouting grain could add $35–$50 per tonne to export expenses.

At a session during the Golden Autumn 2026 exhibition, Bolomatova said more than ten Far Eastern terminals had experience handling grain. The port of Slavyanka is introducing a deep-water berth expected to handle up to 200,000 tonnes a month. Interfax also reported the association’s estimate that Russia’s grain export potential for the 2026–27 season exceeds 60 million tonnes.

The China route is still under consideration and was not described as operational. In August, Vedomosti, citing sources, reported plans to allocate 10 billion rubles to support rail transport of agricultural products. Estonia’s government also decided on October 1 to ban transit of Russian and Belarusian grain through the country, Interfax reported.