Charts of the Day: Russia Taps the Brakes on Chinese Vehicle Imports
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After a brief surge in demand, Russia’s appetite for imported Chinese cars is dwindling amid Moscow’s tightening trade policies and rising geopolitical risks.
China shipped only 99,000 vehicles to Russia in the first quarter of 2025, representing a year-on-year drop of 44%, according to data compiled by Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association. That marks a dramatic shift from 2024, when Russia was China’s top auto export market with almost 1.16 million vehicles sold — up 27% year-on-year.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 triggered an exodus of Western carmakers, Chinese brands quickly filled the void. By 2024, they had cornered more than half the market, up from a less than 10% share in 2021. Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. led the charge with a 20.4% share last year, followed by Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd.’s 14.2%, Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.’s 12.3% and Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. Ltd.’s 7%, according to consulting firm Rhodium Group.
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- Chinese car exports to Russia fell 44% year-on-year in Q1 2025 to 99,000 vehicles; Russia is now China’s third-largest export market after Mexico and the UAE.
- Russia imposed higher duties and taxes on imported cars in 2024, raising the scrappage tax up to 85%, making imports less attractive and prompting some Chinese firms to scale back operations.
- Japanese used car exports to Russia are rising after restrictions were eased, increasing competition in the Russian market.
- Chery Automobile Co. Ltd.
- Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. led Chinese auto exports to Russia in 2024, holding a 20.4% market share. However, due to new Russian trade barriers and tax hikes, Chery’s sales in Russia fell nearly 20% quarter-on-quarter in the fourth quarter of 2024. In a February IPO filing, Chery revealed plans to scale back Russian operations to reduce exposure to geopolitical and regulatory risks.
- Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd.
- Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd. was the second-leading Chinese auto brand in Russia in 2024, holding a 14.2% market share. However, amid new Russian trade barriers and declining demand, sales of Chinese vehicles—including Great Wall—are now dropping sharply.
- Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.
- Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. held a 12.3% share of the Russian car market in 2024, making it one of the leading Chinese car brands in Russia. However, due to new Russian trade barriers and taxes on imports, Chinese automaker sales, including Geely’s, have begun to decline, and average export prices have dropped significantly in 2025.
- Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. Ltd.
- Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. Ltd. held a 7% share of the Russian car market in 2024, making it one of the leading Chinese auto brands in the country. This followed a rapid increase in Chinese market share after Western carmakers exited Russia post-2022, but recent trade barriers and increased taxes have impacted sales for Chinese automakers, including Changan.
- Avtovaz PJSC
- Avtovaz PJSC is a local Russian automaker. Its CEO, Maxim Sokolov, has expressed concerns that the influx of Chinese cars threatens Russia’s domestic auto and parts industries. This reflects pressure on Russian manufacturers caused by strong Chinese competition in the local market.
- Rhodium Group
- Rhodium Group is a consulting firm cited in the article for providing market share data of Chinese automakers in Russia and analysis on the impact of regulatory changes. They noted declines in Chinese car sales due to Russia’s new trade barriers and advised that the trend could worsen.
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