russia’s Trucking Market Flying into the Red

According to the results of the first quarter of 2026, there has been a significant deterioration in the financial condition of companies engaged in international trucking in russia. According to data from specialized logistics agencies, the average net financial result per truck this year amounts to approximately $1,500 in losses per month (for comparison: in 2023, a profit of $3,300 was recorded).

The main reasons for the crisis were Western sanctions and the general economic downturn, which triggered a decline in demand for logistics services, a sharp rise in leasing costs, and increased operating expenses (fuel, maintenance, taxes, and mandatory payments). These factors led to the aging of the fleet and a near-complete halt in fleet renewal, and consequently, a loss of the industry’s competitiveness.

China is actively capitalizing on this situation. With access to cheap loans and leasing, as well as a modern fleet and lower operating costs, Chinese carriers are confidently pushing russians out of the international trucking market.

In the medium term, this will not merely weaken the russian transport sector. The kremlin risks permanently losing control over a significant portion of foreign trade flows. This will allow Beijing to dictate its own commercial terms in the rf’s domestic market.