If, until 2022, fast delivery between countries was carried out mainly through international courier services and direct flights, the situation has changed in recent years. The withdrawal of global logistics operators from the Russian market, the tightening of cross-border trade rules and the lowering of the duty-free threshold for individuals forced the market to adapt. Alternative routes have replaced the usual schemes, and the logistics infrastructure has become more flexible.
Routes through Kazakhstan have become one of the key solutions. Chinese cargoes are sent by land to Almaty or Khorgos, and from there by road or by rail to Russia. Routes through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are also actively used, especially in the e-commerce segment. A combined scheme is used here: goods pass through Bishkek or Tashkent and then are transported by road to the regions of Russia.
Aviation has not lost its importance, but now flights are increasingly passing through intermediary hubs such as the UAE, Turkey or Central Asian countries. This increases travel time, but allows you to maintain regularity and flexibility.
In addition, the share of rail express deliveries is growing, especially against the background of tariff stabilization and predictable deadlines. Cargo accumulates at key points, from where it is distributed across the regions of Russia through partner networks.
The specifics of logistics after 2022 are not only about changing routes. Regional operators from China, Kazakhstan and Russia have entered the market, replacing international services. For small companies and sellers from marketplaces, the need for cargo consolidation and express delivery of small shipments has increased. At the same time, Chinese retailers are actively developing Russian online platforms, which creates a steady flow of shipments and ensures stable loading of flights.
According to forecasts by analysts of the TELEGRAM service, it is expected in the near future:
- further strengthening of Central Asia as a logistics center;
- increase in the cost of air transportation while strengthening land routes;
- development of "local express trains" from warehouses in border areas to large Russian cities;
- Digitalization and implementation of tracking and automation systems for customs procedures.
Thus, although shipping between China and Russia has become more difficult, it has become more adaptable. Today, not only speed is important, but also the ability of logisticians to build flexible routes, respond quickly to changes and cooperate with reliable intermediaries.
For businesses that work with China, knowledge of current logistics schemes and partnership with efficient express operators is becoming an important competitive advantage.
