War Complicates Russia’s Role in Supplying Commodities to China
The two nations have forged deep ties, but higher costs and geopolitics may impede an increased flow of energy, wheat and metals.
Stacks of newly-made nickel cathode sheets in Monchegorsk, Russia.
Source: Bloomberg
China and Russia’s trade relationship has become more complicated since the war started more than three weeks ago, raising questions about the future flow of energy, metals and crops between the two powerhouses.
Before the war in Ukraine, Russia’s importance to China as a supplier of raw materials was only growing. That was solidified in the “no-limits” friendship announced between the two nations ahead of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, which was celebrated with the signing of new deals to furnish China with Russian oil, gas and wheat.