Transport companies report rise in cargo traffic from China to Russia, businesses switching to deliveries more frequently

NOVOSIBIRSK. Aug 18 (Interfax) - The Byte Transit and Shuttle Logistic transport and logistics companies report a rise in cargo traffic from China to Russia year-on-year in the first half of 2026, as well as an increase in shipment frequency.

Byte Transit told Interfax that the number of shipments from China to online retailers rose 15% in the period, and the share of total shipments reached 70%. Clothing and footwear account for a significant portion of the shipments, with electronics, communications equipment, batteries, microchips, and spare parts also accounting for a significant portion.

"We have been seeing a change in sellers' approach to deliveries. Companies are increasingly importing smaller quantities, but doing so more regularly. The pattern is particularly noticeable in categories whose product range needs to be replenished constantly. Therefore, the increase in activity on the Chinese route is reflected in the volume of goods transported, as well as in the increased frequency of shipments," Gennady Miller, head of Byte Transit's Foreign Trade Department, told Interfax.

Miller added that he does not currently see any signs of a sharp change in the trend, as Russian companies continue to purchase Chinese goods, raw materials, and components, and the increased number of shipments directly supports freight flow between the countries.

Shuttle Logistic, in turn, told Interfax that overall cargo flow from China to Russia increased approximately 20% in the first half of the year. The number of roadway shipments under the TIR procedure has also increased. Cargo reaches its destination without being opened or reloaded under this procedure, and customs clearance is completed at the arrival terminal.

The company noted that the most in-demand cargo categories from China include auto parts, electronics and components, textiles, including clothing, and household goods.