Mon Jan 13 16:24:18 UTC 2025: ## China-Russia Trade Hits Record High Amid Western Sanctions
**Beijing, January 14, 2025** – Trade between China and Russia surged to a record high of $244.8 billion in 2024, according to data released by China’s General Administration of Customs. This represents a slight increase from 2023’s figure of $240.1 billion, although the growth rate slowed considerably from the previous year’s 26.3% surge.
The burgeoning economic ties between the two nations come despite extensive Western sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. China has maintained a stance of neutrality, refraining from condemning Russia’s actions. Chinese President Xi Jinping recently reiterated the strong relationship between the two countries, emphasizing their commitment to non-alignment.
In contrast, trade between China and the United States increased by 3.7% year-on-year to $688.3 billion. However, with President-elect Donald Trump set to begin his second term next week, further trade tensions are anticipated given his history of imposing tariffs on Chinese goods. The differing trajectories of Sino-Russian and Sino-American trade highlight the shifting geopolitical landscape and the complex interplay of global economic relations.
First Piper 