BEIJING -- Chinese trade with Russia ballooned 38.5% on the year in January and February, far outpacing Beijing's 15.9% increase in total trade for the period as the two countries have grown closer economically in recent months.
China mainly exports machinery and household items to Russia, while importing crude oil and other forms of energy. Bilateral trade is believed to have grown partly from rising commodities prices, as well as from greater shipments of machinery and other products.