Data from Russian statistical agency PPK JSC shows that in January-April 2026, Chinese vehicles were the largest source of imported new cars in Russia, with monthly shares of 78.0%, 67.2%, 60%, and 71.6%. Total imports reached approximately 77,000 new vehicles plus nearly 28,900 used vehicles. CKD assembly has become the mainstream localization strategy for Chinese automakers in Russia.
Data Confirms: Russia Returns as China's Top Auto Export Market
Latest import data from Russian statistical agency PPK JSC reveals that Chinese vehicles accounted for 78.0% in January, 67.2% in February, 60% in March, and 71.6% in April of Russia's imported new cars. The four-month average share reached 69.2%, firmly establishing Russia as China's number one auto export destination.
The cumulative data for the first four months is even more compelling: Russia imported approximately 77,000 new Chinese vehicles, plus nearly 28,900 used Chinese vehicles, bringing China's total auto export volume to Russia above 105,000 units. This figure approaches 45% of China's full-year 2025 auto export total to Russia.
CKD Localization: From Vehicle Exports to Assembly Production
Chinese automakers in Russia have adopted CKD assembly as the core localization strategy:
Haval: Fully-owned manufacturing plant in Tula Oblast, annual capacity of 150,000 units, localization rate of 65%
Chery: Joint venture CKD model assembling Tiggo series near Moscow, annual capacity of 80,000 units
Geely: Belarus plant serving the Russian market, annual capacity of 120,000 units
Changan: Cooperating with local Russian firms to assemble CS series SUVs, annual capacity of 50,000 units
January-April 2026 Russia China New Vehicle Import Data
Month | Chinese New Car Imports (10k units) | Share of Monthly Total | MoM Change |
|---|---|---|---|
January | 2.1 | 78.0% | — |
February | 1.8 | 67.2% | -14% |
March | 1.5 | 60.0% | -17% |
April | 2.3 | 71.6% | +53% |
Total | 7.7 | 69.2% (avg) | — |
Russian auto market research experts note that CKD assembly became dominant because Russia levies a 25% tariff on fully assembled imported vehicles, but only 5% on CKD kit assembly. This 20 percentage point tariff differential makes CKD assembly irresistibly cost-competitive.
Additionally, CKD models help Chinese OEMs circumvent Russia's technical certification barriers for imported vehicles. Through cross-border procurement platforms like EX1000.COM, international buyers can gain clearer visibility into the costs and delivery timelines associated with different CKD assembly pathways, enabling more optimized purchasing decisions.
