Resellers Move New Cars Across the Kazakhstan-Russia Border
Reporters from Astana have observed a surge in the export of fresh vehicles from Kazakhstan to Russia. Customs data from Tatarstan indicate that since the start of the year, 237 cars have entered the region from a neighboring country, a sharp rise from just four in the previous year. The TV segment notes that the spike comes amid a prolonged downturn in Russia’s domestic car market, where new car sales have slumped about 70 percent due to rising prices.
For the same model, the price gap across the border can begin at around one million rubles. Private sellers say the reselling business is thriving, with a web of sites and forums where buyers and sellers exchange contacts and guidance on how to acquire a car from Kazakhstan.
Experts believe that a large portion of Kazakhstan’s new-car supply could flow into Russia, given the geographic proximity and the currency dynamics that make imports cheaper when the ruble exchange rate is favorable and customs duties are relatively low.
What do experts say?
Oleg Nurmuchametov, a private dealer based in Russia, assists fellow citizens who want to buy a car in Nur-Sultan. He explained that it is enough to locate a Kazakh buyer who can purchase a car from a Kazakh car center and then ship it to the Russian Federation. According to his account, this approach has already enabled him to move more than 50 vehicles, including crossovers, since he began operating in June. (Astana TV)
He added that, formally, Kazakh citizens are the initial purchasers. For customs clearance, all duties and port services are paid in Kazakhstan, after which the vehicle is loaded onto a transporter and sent to Russia. He noted that the main hurdle is converting rubles into tenge, as Russian banks generally offer less favorable rates than Kazakh banks. Yet, those involved in this market have found ways around the issue, even if they are not openly discussed on air. (Astana TV)
The dealer described no encounters with cheating and recalled straightforward agreements: a price is agreed, a deposit is placed, and the transaction proceeds smoothly. He also observed that the market is likely to expand further as more transit cars arrive at Kazakhstan’s ports, many of which were not intended for the local market. (Astana TV)
These dynamics underscore a broader trend: cross-border trade in vehicles is evolving as regional demand shifts and price differentials widen. The ongoing fluctuations in exchange rates, coupled with the logistical realities of insurance and transport, shape how buyers and sellers navigate this gray area of the market. (Astana TV)
As the situation unfolds, observers emphasize the importance of regulatory clarity and consumer protection measures to ensure transparent pricing, legitimate transactions, and fair treatment for all participants across both countries. The live coverage suggests a market that is increasingly integrated yet still sensitive to currency movements and border controls. (Astana TV)
Collage “Behind the Wheel”