Russian businesses are increasingly experiencing difficulties when importing goods from China. According to a study by Tochka Bank and O+K Research, in 2025 entrepreneurs more often report issues related to product quality, logistics, documentation, and customs clearance.
Against this backdrop, direct access to verified manufacturers and reliable suppliers is becoming especially important. One effective way to find them is by attending international industry platforms such as China Commodity Fair, where businesses can directly evaluate suppliers, compare offers, and reduce the risks of working with unverified counterparties.
The study shows that even at the supplier search stage, the language barrier remains significant — 43% of entrepreneurs report facing it, compared to 38% a year earlier. At the same time, it is becoming more difficult to find trustworthy partners and establish effective communication with Chinese manufacturers, which further increases the value of in-person meetings and trade exhibitions.
At the procurement stage, complaints about product quality have increased significantly — from 36% to 45%. For businesses, this means not only the risk of defects but also additional costs related to logistics, storage, returns, and potential reputational damage.
The importance of documentation is also growing: difficulties with certification, labeling, and supporting paperwork have increased from 28% to 38%. With tighter import controls, mistakes increasingly lead to shipment delays and additional inspections.
Logistics remains the most vulnerable link in the supply chain: 44% of entrepreneurs reported delivery delays, while the share of companies facing customs-related issues has risen from 20% to 27%.
Amid increasing complexity in foreign trade operations, businesses are increasingly turning to intermediaries and service providers, especially for customs clearance, international shipping, certification, and warehousing services.
Experts note that imports from China are gradually shifting from a “low-cost purchasing” model to a managed import model, where key success factors include supply chain transparency, quality control, proper documentation, and reliable logistics.
Source
Against this backdrop, direct access to verified manufacturers and reliable suppliers is becoming especially important. One effective way to find them is by attending international industry platforms such as China Commodity Fair, where businesses can directly evaluate suppliers, compare offers, and reduce the risks of working with unverified counterparties.
The study shows that even at the supplier search stage, the language barrier remains significant — 43% of entrepreneurs report facing it, compared to 38% a year earlier. At the same time, it is becoming more difficult to find trustworthy partners and establish effective communication with Chinese manufacturers, which further increases the value of in-person meetings and trade exhibitions.
At the procurement stage, complaints about product quality have increased significantly — from 36% to 45%. For businesses, this means not only the risk of defects but also additional costs related to logistics, storage, returns, and potential reputational damage.
The importance of documentation is also growing: difficulties with certification, labeling, and supporting paperwork have increased from 28% to 38%. With tighter import controls, mistakes increasingly lead to shipment delays and additional inspections.
Logistics remains the most vulnerable link in the supply chain: 44% of entrepreneurs reported delivery delays, while the share of companies facing customs-related issues has risen from 20% to 27%.
Amid increasing complexity in foreign trade operations, businesses are increasingly turning to intermediaries and service providers, especially for customs clearance, international shipping, certification, and warehousing services.
Experts note that imports from China are gradually shifting from a “low-cost purchasing” model to a managed import model, where key success factors include supply chain transparency, quality control, proper documentation, and reliable logistics.
Source