Kazakhstan has tightened checks at its border with Russia, triggering miles-long traffic jams as customs officers detain about 2,500 trucks coming from China. Representatives of transport companies told Russian media the delays stem from stepped-up inspections targeting goods under Western sanctions, including electronics, drones, clothing and products from Western brands.
Carriers say all shipments from China headed to Russia and Belarus are now being routed for additional screening. The bottlenecks began in mid-September and worsened significantly in early October. In response, logistics firms have raised rates and are seeking alternative routes via the RussiaβChina border, the Russian Far East or Mongolia.
Experts say this is not a temporary hiccup but a new normal, as authorities intensify enforcement of Western sanctions.
According to earlier reports, Russian importers have faced major slowdowns at the Kazakhstan border since mid-June, with wait times at customs rising from about an hour to 10 days or more.
Georgia, Armenia and Kazakhstan have also made exporting to Russia more difficult.
