In 2026, the Chinese goods resale market in Russia is undergoing noticeable changes. Increased import controls, rising tax burdens, and logistical disruptions are forcing entrepreneurs to rethink their usual business models. While it was once possible to make money through fast delivery and high markups, certification, labeling, VAT, and supply stability are now taking center stage.
The volume of Chinese exports to Russia continues to grow, but business profitability is declining. Entrepreneurs are having to account for more costs and risks: border delays, additional inspections, documentation expenses, and compliance with marketplace requirements. As a result, the simple "buy low, sell high" model is becoming less effective.
According to market participants, demand for "white" logistics has grown by 30–40% over the past year. Businesses are increasingly choosing official import schemes to reduce risks of account blocks, fines, and additional charges. At the same time, the business model itself is becoming more complex — it is no longer enough to simply purchase goods from China and list them on a marketplace.
A serious wake-up call for the market came from border delays in late 2025. Due to supply disruptions, some entrepreneurs lost hundreds of thousands of rubles — they had to refund customers, cancel orders, and incur losses. After this, many began seeking more reliable logistics channels, increasing warehouse stock, and diversifying sales, including through offline points.
Experts note that the market is gradually "cleaning up." Companies and sellers that operated using gray schemes without established processes or a proper product are gradually leaving. In the new environment, those who invest in branding, packaging, certification, and systematic work with suppliers and logistics gain an advantage.
At the same time, the shift to "white" imports is particularly painful for small businesses. The costs of documentation, labeling, taxes, and compliance significantly reduce profits. According to market estimates, some small sellers may soon leave marketplaces or switch to entirely different niches.
Experts agree: demand for Chinese goods in Russia will remain, but the resale model itself is becoming more complex and professional. The market is gradually moving away from fast, speculative trading toward systematic importation, where transparency, supply reliability, and product development play key roles.
Source
The volume of Chinese exports to Russia continues to grow, but business profitability is declining. Entrepreneurs are having to account for more costs and risks: border delays, additional inspections, documentation expenses, and compliance with marketplace requirements. As a result, the simple "buy low, sell high" model is becoming less effective.
According to market participants, demand for "white" logistics has grown by 30–40% over the past year. Businesses are increasingly choosing official import schemes to reduce risks of account blocks, fines, and additional charges. At the same time, the business model itself is becoming more complex — it is no longer enough to simply purchase goods from China and list them on a marketplace.
A serious wake-up call for the market came from border delays in late 2025. Due to supply disruptions, some entrepreneurs lost hundreds of thousands of rubles — they had to refund customers, cancel orders, and incur losses. After this, many began seeking more reliable logistics channels, increasing warehouse stock, and diversifying sales, including through offline points.
Experts note that the market is gradually "cleaning up." Companies and sellers that operated using gray schemes without established processes or a proper product are gradually leaving. In the new environment, those who invest in branding, packaging, certification, and systematic work with suppliers and logistics gain an advantage.
At the same time, the shift to "white" imports is particularly painful for small businesses. The costs of documentation, labeling, taxes, and compliance significantly reduce profits. According to market estimates, some small sellers may soon leave marketplaces or switch to entirely different niches.
Experts agree: demand for Chinese goods in Russia will remain, but the resale model itself is becoming more complex and professional. The market is gradually moving away from fast, speculative trading toward systematic importation, where transparency, supply reliability, and product development play key roles.
Source