The main users of cargo transportation are marketplace sellers and small retailers. The cargo system allows for the collection of goods from various suppliers and their shipment without the full customs documentation. For example, cargo companies can consolidate small batches of goods and declare them under a single general declaration, simplifying the delivery process. The customer pays based on weight or volume, and all expenses, including customs duties, are already included in the cost.
The "gray" import system that existed earlier has significantly expanded since the introduction of parallel imports in March 2022. Goods are shipped from China without customs clearance in Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan, and then transported to Russia using internal transit documents, explains Sergey Polyakov, CEO of Holding Finance Broker. In some cases, cargo companies are also involved in the transportation of prohibited goods such as weapons and hazardous chemicals, adds Alexey Goncharov from CHINA NATIONAL CARGO ltd.
Goncharov also notes that a year ago, the trade turnover between Russia and China was estimated to range from $200 to $240 billion, implying that the volume of cargo transportation could be around $40-50 billion per year.
According to Sergey Balabanov from "Gruz-Express," cargo transportation is eagerly used by sellers of clothing, consumer goods, and jewelry. According to a study by Tochka Bank, 21% of entrepreneurs resort to cargo delivery, 42% combine various delivery methods depending on the situation, and 6% do not know how they deliver their goods, relying on intermediaries. However, as business grows, as noted by Nika Golokhvastova, 90% of companies with a turnover of over 5 million rubles per month prefer legal delivery.
Marketplace sellers emphasize that cargo remains the only available option for small batches of goods. Large companies are not interested in delivering small volumes, making cargo the most attractive option. However, often goods delivered via cargo are customs-cleared under different codes, allowing them to avoid high duties.
Among electronics sellers, cargo transportation is also popular as it can save on certification and permits. Nikita Baranov from TLS GROUP notes that many companies prefer cargo to avoid the complexities associated with official imports.
Nevertheless, cargo transportation has serious drawbacks. Rates can vary, and the final cost may exceed the agreed amount. There is also a risk of delays and confiscation of goods, and the lack of official documents complicates legal trade. In the event of damage or loss of cargo, cargo companies rarely compensate for losses.
With the introduction of parallel imports, Russia has become more dependent on Chinese supplies, while imports from other countries have significantly decreased. However, since the fall of this year, schemes have started to fail, and trucks are stuck at the borders. Problems have arisen at the border with Kazakhstan, attributed to an active fight against gray imports.
Since October 1, Chinese authorities have required the indication of actual manufacturers and export volumes, complicating the process for cargo operators. Russian authorities are also gradually imposing restrictions on gray imports, which may lead to further increases in cargo transportation rates, potentially rising by 20-30%.
In the future, many small companies may switch to legal carriers as the use of familiar delivery schemes becomes increasingly difficult. However, the complete eradication of cargo transportation, especially at the land borders with China, remains in question. Sellers unwilling to legalize their transactions will seek alternatives or reduce their supply volumes.
