In China, an increasing number of pop-up stores dedicated to Russian products are appearing, marked by vibrant displays of white, blue, and red, alongside Chinese and Russian flags. These shops, adorned with waist-high Russian dolls, attract customers with a variety of goods ranging from chocolates and cookies to honey and vodka.
Since the onset of the war in Ukraine in 2022, the relationship between China and Russia has strengthened, leading to a surge in Russian product popularity in China. Thousands of stores have opened, attracting consumer interest amid rising trade ties. Notably, bilateral trade figures have soared, presenting China as a crucial avenue for the sanctions-affected Russian economy.
In addition to oil, gas, and coal imports, foreign food products like ice cream and biscuits from Russia have gained traction. Over 2,500 new companies focusing on Russian goods have sprouted since 2022, with many situated in Heilongjiang—China’s northeastern province sharing a border with Russia. A significant number of these businesses aim to cater to the growing demand for perceived high-quality, authentic Russian goods.
However, the rapid expansion of these stores has led to concerns regarding the authenticity of the products sold. Investigations have uncovered that some items marketed as Russian are, in fact, produced in China, prompting media scrutiny and governmental action on misleading advertising practices.
Despite the challenges posed by authenticity questions, the demand for Russian goods remains robust. Store employees report that Russian honey and chocolates are among the top sellers, enhanced by marketing that promotes the health benefits and quality of these products. Additionally, culturally, many Chinese people express strong support for Russia, encouraged by a mutual disdain for Western political influence.
In response to the burgeoning interest in Russian products, the Russian Export Center has initiated efforts to establish more official retail outlets in China. This includes plans to set up up to 300 stores in collaboration with local partners by year-end, further solidifying Russia’s presence in the Chinese market.
The “Made in Russia Festival” has become a significant event, drawing attention to authentic Russian goods and facilitating direct sales to Chinese consumers. However, as competition intensifies among the thousands of unofficial stores, the concern over counterfeit products persists. The Russian embassy in China has cautioned consumers about fake goods, advising them to look for a dove-shaped label indicating authenticity.
Overall, the relationship between China and Russia is evolving against the backdrop of consumer culture, trade dynamics, and geopolitics, as the demand for Russian products continues to rise amid increasing scrutiny of their origins.