Prices for Japanese cars in Russia have risen by roughly 4 to 13 percent, a shift analysts link to the latest round of sanctions imposed by Japan. The trend is being tracked by market observers who see a persistent upward pressure on both used and fresh imports from Japan as policy restrictions take effect and buyers adjust expectations. In a recent briefing, a Drom analyst highlighted the broader market dynamics behind these price moves and pointed to a gradual tightening of supply for certain Japanese models that are popular with Russian buyers.
According to Igor Oleinikov, the lead analyst at Drom, the average price for a used Japanese car in July 2023 stood at about 1.29 million rubles, while the same vehicles without mileage averaged around 1.61 million rubles. In August, price growth accelerated, with cars that had some mileage increasing by approximately 4 percent, and cars offered without mileage seeing a sharper rise, averaging around 13 percent higher than the previous month. Oleinikov emphasizes that this pattern reflects ongoing demand amid supply constraints and policy changes that influence the availability and cost of Japanese vehicles on the Russian market.
Market observers expect these price gains to continue as the sanctions framework evolves and enforcement becomes more predictable for importers and dealers. The regulatory landscape recently expanded to include a prohibition on exporting to Russia certain categories of vehicles—specifically cars and hybrid vehicles with engines over 1.9 liters—beginning on August 9. The decision, announced on July 28 as part of the next package of anti-Russian sanctions, broadens the scope of restrictions beyond new models to include used cars as well as a range of automotive-related goods such as truck tires, car seats, and locking mechanisms. Dealers and buyers alike are recalibrating their inventories and expectations in response to these tighter controls and the associated tariff and logistics implications.
Earlier data show a surge in Russian vehicle production in mid-2023, with July figures indicating that 41,100 cars were produced domestically. This represented a substantial year-over-year increase, signaling a robust local auto sector even as import channels faced new hurdles. Analysts note that while production gains reflect domestic capacity and demand, the broader impact of sanctions on the mix of available vehicles—especially those imported from Japan—continues to shape pricing, depreciation dynamics, and consumer buying behavior across the country. In sum, the Russian auto market is navigating a period of elevated prices and evolving supply conditions driven by regulatory actions and global trade shifts, with experts forecasting further adjustments as policy details unfold and market participants adapt to the new normal.