China’s Trade With Russia Hits 2025 High While Trump Focuses On Punishing India

China-Russia trade reached its highest level of 2025 in July, even as US President Donald Trump signalled that Beijing could face new tariffs over its continued imports of Russian oil, though there were no indications that any action was imminent.

The warning comes days after Trump slapped a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s ties with Moscow, a move that has drawn fire for letting China off the hook despite being Russia’s largest crude customer.

According to Chinese customs data, total trade with Russia reached US$19.14 billion in July, up 8.7 per cent from June but still 2.8 per cent below last year’s level.

Year-to-date, trade between the two countries has fallen 8 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. China’s imports from Russia rose 4 per cent in July to US$10.1 billion, driven by energy purchases.

However, its exports to Russia dropped nearly 9 per cent. Crude oil remains central: China imported 32 million tonnes from Russia in the first seven months, four million tonnes less than last year, but still far ahead of India.

Despite Washington’s rhetoric, Trump has so far held off on penalising Beijing, focusing instead on India. Critics say that sends a mixed signal, punishing a democratic partner while appeasing China.