In September 2025, the Russian market registered an unprecedented jump in confectionery imports from the People’s Republic of China, marking the culmination of a trend to substitute traditional European suppliers. The volume of sweets imported reached absolute maximums for the entire history of trade relations between the two countries.
The Scale of the “Sweet Expansion”: Figures and Categories
Chinese exports to Russia demonstrated impressive dynamics across three key categories:
- Sugar Confectionery: This group, including hard candies, chewing gum, jellies, and white chocolate, became the absolute leader. The supply volume reached $9.7 million. The monthly growth (from August to September) was a significant 22%, and the year-on-year increase was 1.8 times, representing an all-time high.
- Chocolate and Chocolate Products: Imports of chocolate products reached a record $6.8 million in September. Monthly growth was 1.6 times, and annual growth was 1.5 times.
- Flour Confectionery: Supplies of wafers, cookies, corn sticks, and biscuits also broke their historical peak, reaching $1.9 million. Compared to August, volumes grew 1.5 times, and year-on-year, they increased 2.3 times.
In-Depth Analysis: Why Now and Why China?
The sharp increase in imports from the PRC is driven not only by high consumer demand ahead of the autumn-winter season but also by structural changes in the Russian market.
The Substitution Effect of Western Brands. Following the departure or partial reduction in capacity of several European and American confectionery giants, a significant market niche was created, especially in the segment of inexpensive but diverse snacks and “sugar sweets.” China, with its colossal production capabilities and adapted logistics, proved to be the ideal candidate to quickly fill this vacuum. Interestingly, it was white chocolate, candies, and gum (high-margin, rapidly produced goods) that provided the main increase.
The Logistics Factor. The reorientation of trade flows toward the East has made logistics from the PRC more predictable and, in some cases, more advantageous than importing from Western countries. The lack of need to overcome sanctions barriers and the active development of railway routes between the Russian Federation and the PRC significantly accelerate the turnover of goods.
Assortment Diversification. Chinese manufacturers are actively adapting their products to the demands of the Russian consumer, offering a wide range of new items, including unique Asian flavors, which stimulates interest and ensures growth in the “other flour products” category (wafers, biscuits), where the annual growth dynamics were the highest—2.3 times.