Since November 2024, Kazakhstani banks have tightened checks on clients associated with international transportation. Now, to open an account or execute transactions, companies must provide detailed information about their operations. This has led to longer payment processing times, which can reach up to two months. Such measures are driven by stricter financial oversight from the regulator and are aimed at preventing illicit transactions and minimizing secondary sanctions risks.
In November 2024, the US dollar exchange rate broke through the 100-ruble mark for the first time in 13 months. The primary drivers of the ruble's depreciation were oil prices dropping to $72.5 per barrel, complications with cross-border payments, and reduced imports alongside lower exports. Experts forecast that the exchange rate will fluctuate between 98 and 105 rubles until the end of the year, with a potential strengthening during the tax period. Despite expectations of a correction, the 100-ruble level is becoming the “new normal”, with the average rate projected at 105 rubles in 2025.
Over 1,000 trucks have queued up at Belarusian border crossing points with Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland. The cause is tightened customs controls at entry points into the EU. Most of the delayed shipments consist of dual-use goods, including integrated circuits and equipment. The situation is expected to deteriorate further with the implementation of new EU export regulations.
Additionally, starting December 1, 2024, Lithuania is introducing mandatory advance registration for all trucks crossing the border with Russia and Belarus. This measure aims to reduce traditionally long queues, which stretch up to 23 km during peak periods. Registration in the electronic EVIS system with fee payment will become mandatory for crossing via Medininkai, Šalčininkai, and Kybartai. Lithuanian authorities emphasize that this step will improve border security and help prevent multi-kilometer traffic jams.
Since the beginning of 2024, Russian companies have settled around 40% of their payments with China through payment agents. This is 15% higher than a year earlier. Using intermediaries helps sustain supply chain stability, although it extends settlement timelines.
Significant truck congestion has formed on the Russia-Kazakhstan border, particularly in the Altai Krai, Kurgan, and Chelyabinsk regions. Wait times at border crossings rose to four days in November, and delivery times from Almaty to Moscow increased to two weeks. The main factors are the seasonal surge in freight volumes, heightened inspections by Kazakhstani customs, and insufficient infrastructure. These factors have driven shipping costs up by 15%, which is already affecting end-consumer retail prices.
Heavy snowfall in Eastern Siberia has caused traffic jams on the R-258 “Baikal” federal highway between Ulan-Ude and Chita. Difficult road conditions have emerged on several sections, including the 670th, 691st, and 702nd kilometers, where freight traffic has slowed down. Road maintenance crews and traffic police units are working on-site, but travel delays persist due to the accumulated heavy vehicles.
Turkish logistics companies are declaring bankruptcy en masse. This is linked to the economic crisis and heavy debt burdens. Russian FEA participants are already encountering difficulties when executing new contracts, as well as freight rate hikes via Turkish ports.
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