Russian Turkey Exports Soar, Dominating Chinese Market

Russia Ousts US as Leading Turkey Meat Exporter to China

GLOBAL TRADE – May 1, 2025 – Russia has significantly reshaped the global turkey meat trade landscape, successfully overtaking the United States to become the largest exporter of turkey meat to China. This strategic shift has been driven by a remarkable surge in Russian exports, which have proven highly competitive in the Chinese market.

According to Poultry World, approximately 60% of all Russian turkey meat production is now directed towards China. This strong export performance is projected to continue its upward trajectory, with estimates indicating Russian turkey exports to China could reach 35,000 tonnes in 2025 and a substantial 60,000 tonnes by 2030.

Anatoly Velmatov highlighted that Russian firms have demonstrated a keen ability to outcompete other major international suppliers, including prominent players from the US and South America, within the lucrative Chinese market.

Despite this export success, the Russian turkey industry faces several hurdles. Challenges include the ongoing bird flu situation, declining consumption in some key sales markets, and the increasing impact of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda alongside tightening environmental regulations. Nevertheless, the industry maintains an ambitious goal of increasing its overall export share to 10% of its total turkey meat production, solidifying its position in the global poultry trade.