At the start of 2023, analysts observed a notable rise in the import of second-hand cars into Russia, with volumes climbing to a level more than double what had been recorded previously. The analytical agency Avtostat reported that the early months of the year saw a surge in demand for used vehicles, reflecting broader shifts in consumer behavior and policy conditions around the parallel import market.
During January and February, Russia welcomed approximately 66.6 thousand used cars. This figure represented a decrease of about 35 thousand units in January and a drop of roughly 31.6 thousand units in February, indicating a seasonal correction after the early-year peak. Despite the month-to-month fluctuations, the overall trend remained upward through the spring, underscoring the persistent appetite for affordable mobility among Russian buyers. A substantial portion of these imports originated from Japan, continuing a long-standing pattern where Japan serves as a primary supplier of reliable used vehicles for the Russian market.
Beyond Japan, the data show that Armenia contributed around 14.1 percent of total imports, while Belarus accounted for about 13.4 percent. The distribution among other sourcing countries remained predominantly under 10 percent each, highlighting a diversified yet Japan-led import ecosystem. This concentration reflects the practical and commercial realities of parallel import channels, where buyers and dealers pursue cost-effective options in a market with evolving tax and customs frameworks.
Analysts point to a sustained growth in used-car imports since May 2022, a period marked by the gradual acceptance and expansion of parallel import clearance as a key mechanism for supplying affordable vehicles. The trend suggests that traders and consumers have adapted to the regulatory environment, finding ways to move vehicles across borders that balance cost with availability. As a result, the marketplace has seen dealers actively bringing in models from a broad range of brands to meet demand, including established names such as Mazda, Toyota, Skoda, Hyundai, Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, among others. This mix of brands underscores the appeal of used, well-maintained models that offer value for money in a price-sensitive market.
However, tax and customs considerations continue to shape the practical process of importing cars. While dealers typically push for broader, volume-driven procurement, the administrative burden of clearance often falls on individual buyers or private importers due to the specific tax treatment and customs rules that apply to parallel imports. In this environment, the balance between import costs and final consumer prices remains delicate, influencing decisions on which models to import and how to price them for the domestic market. Market participants and observers anticipate that, even with ongoing pressures, the share of parallel-imported vehicles in total registrations could approach double-digit levels by year’s end, reflecting ongoing demand and the continued importance of cost-conscious procurement strategies in Russia’s automotive landscape.
In summary, early 2023 in Russia highlighted a robust demand for used cars, with a clear leadership role for Japan, complemented by substantial contributions from Armenia and Belarus. The trend traces back to mid-2022, when parallel import frameworks began to shape the supply chain more prominently, enabling dealers to offer a wide range of brands while navigating the fiscal and regulatory environment. As the market adapts, the mix of brands continues to evolve, and buyers remain attracted to the affordability and practicality of used vehicles imported through parallel channels, even as the industry tracks the ongoing regulatory developments and economic factors that influence pricing and availability. Analysts note that these dynamics are likely to persist in the near term, shaping the trajectory of Russia’s used-car market and the strategies employed by importers and buyers alike.