Beijing: China has announced it will halt all electricity imports from Russia beginning January 2026. This decision marks a significant shift in energy trade between the two nations.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the move comes in response to rising export prices, which, for the first time this year, have surpassed China's domestic electricity prices. Although a supply contract remains in effect between Moscow and Beijing until 2037, the economic factors have prompted China to cease imports.

The Russian Ministry of Energy has indicated that while the current halt is in place, exports could resume if a new request is submitted by China. However, sources referenced by Kommersant reveal that China has already stopped importing electricity as of January 1, even rejecting the minimal contract volume of approximately 12 MW. The sources also suggest that there are no expectations for the resumption of exports in 2026.