08.09.2026
Chinese industrial and warehouse machinery is becoming increasingly common at Russian enterprises. Forklifts, production equipment and components are arriving in Russia in regular shipments, while suppliers continue to expand their local service capabilities.
The subject was featured in a Moscow report by correspondent Dasha Chernyshova for CGTN, an international Chinese television and digital media network within the state-owned China Media Group. The report was filmed at China Machinery Fair 2026, where CARGO-EXPRESS participated as an exhibitor.
Chinese Manufacturers Consolidate Their Position in Russia
Russian companies have been working with Chinese warehouse equipment for around a decade. During this period, customer attitudes have changed: local maintenance, spare parts availability, warranty coverage and supplier accountability now carry increasing weight when equipment is selected.
Demand is supported by competitive pricing and equipment quality. Service infrastructure has become an important part of the offering, as access to prompt repairs directly influences purchasing decisions.
Andrey Kogan, Chairman of the China Relations Committee at the Association of Exporters and Importers, noted that Chinese companies already hold leading positions in a number of industrial sectors and are shaping new technology trends.
Trade fairs have become a practical route to the Russian market for manufacturers: they provide a venue to showcase equipment, find distributors and discuss supply terms directly with prospective customers.
The Key Risk: Route Resilience
Growing imports of industrial equipment are raising the requirements placed on logistics. Freight costs, transit corridor stability, correct product classification and complete documentation are critical to such shipments.
Multi-component production lines, oversized machinery and specialised equipment require particular attention. HS codes must be determined, technical descriptions prepared and regulatory documents checked before dispatch. Errors at this stage may trigger additional inspections and delay the entire shipment.
Transport Capacity Is Available — Precise Route Selection Is Essential
Rail, road, river and multimodal routes are used to transport cargo between China and Russia. Sergey Sanakoev, Chairman of the Russian-Chinese Friendship Society, described the existing logistics capacity as sufficient, highlighting rail services, river transport across the Amur and road transit through the EAEU countries.
The choice of transport scheme depends on the equipment characteristics, point of origin, documentation and acceptable level of transit risk. Regular imports require primary and alternative routes, while customs preparations should begin before the goods leave the Chinese manufacturer.
Chinese machinery has already secured a significant place in the Russian market. The outcome of each shipment now depends on how effectively the importer integrates procurement, transportation, customs clearance and subsequent equipment servicing into a single process.
Source: CGTN report, correspondent Dasha Chernyshova