Russian meat exports exceeded $2 billion for the first time

In 2025, Russian exports of meat and edible meat offal updated a record, reaching almost $2.2 billion. On March 3, the press service of Agroexport told Izvestia about this.

It is noted that shipments increased by 21% compared to 2024. Poultry and pork accounted for 44% of the supply structure, while beef accounted for 12%.

"Over the past year, all three key meat categories have shown growth. Exports of meat and edible offal of poultry increased by 15% to $946 million. Pork exports showed an impressive 41% increase to $943 million and came close to the revenue of poultry meat exporters. Sales of beef and edible by—products of cattle (cattle — Ed.) to foreign markets increased by 2%, to $249 million," Ilya Ilyushin, head of Agroexport, explained to Izvestia.

It was clarified that in recent years China has been the largest importer of Russian meat, and in 2025 the country retained its leadership. Last year, $682 million worth of meat and offal was shipped to China from Russia, which is 22% more than in 2024. Belarus ranks second with a volume of $433 million (+50%). Saudi Arabia is in third position: shipments to the kingdom increased by 21% over the year, to $273 million. Vietnam (+14%) and Kazakhstan (+36%) are also among the top 5 buyers.

Last year, Russian meat was exported to more than 100 countries, including almost 30 African countries: in particular, shipments to Benin increased 7-fold, Gabon - 6-fold, Ghana - 5-fold, Mozambique and Guinea — 4-fold. An important event in 2025 was the opening of the Philippine market for poultry and pork supplies from Russia.

The publication reported that the growth in meat exports in 2025 was primarily driven by the activity of exporters, the expansion of the list of companies that gained access to foreign markets, their search for promising niches and the expansion of the assortment matrix, said Sergey Yushin, head of the National Meat Association.

"Other factors include the competitive price level that has developed for certain product range positions in the Russian market, despite the excessive strengthening of the ruble, as well as an increase in supplies to countries that have been opened relatively recently. An important role was played by the intensification of pork supplies to China compared to last year, when actually full-fledged exports occurred only in the second half of the year. In addition, Russia is developing supplies of poultry and beef to Saudi Arabia, pork to Vietnam and Belarus, and turkey to China," Sergei Yushin stressed.

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Earlier in the day, Interfax reported that tea exports from Russia in 2025 amounted to over $96 million, which is 11% more than in 2024. It is noted that in physical terms, exports exceeded 12 thousand tons. Black tea remained the main product: it accounted for 78% of supplies, green tea — 16%, the rest — teas with flavoring additives.

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