Since November 2024, Kazakh banks have strengthened checks on clients involved in international transportation. Now, companies must provide detailed data about their activities to open an account or conduct transactions. This has led to an increase in payment processing times, which can reach up to two months. Such measures are due to tightening financial control by the regulator and are aimed at preventing illegal operations and minimizing the risks of secondary sanctions.
The dollar exchange rate in November 2024 exceeded the RUB 100 mark for the first time in the last 13 months. The main factors behind the weakening of the ruble were the decline in oil prices to $72.5 per barrel, the complexity of cross-border payments, and the reduction in imports with a decrease in exports. Experts predict that the rate will fluctuate between RUB 98 and RUB 105 until the end of the year, with a possible strengthening during the tax period. Despite expectations of correction, the RUB 100 level is becoming the 'new norm', and in 2025, the average rate will be RUB 105.
Over 1,000 trucks have accumulated at the Belarusian border checkpoints with Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland. The reason is the tightening of customs control at the EU entry points. Most of the detained cargo includes dual-use goods, including microchips and equipment. The situation is expected to worsen with the introduction of new EU export rules.
Also, starting December 1, 2024, Lithuania will introduce mandatory preliminary registration for all trucks crossing the border with Russia and Belarus. This innovation aims to reduce traditionally long queues, which reach up to 23 km during peak periods. Registration in the EVIS electronic system with a fee will be mandatory for passing through 'Medininkai', 'Šalčininkai', and 'Kybartai'. Lithuanian authorities emphasize that this measure will enhance security at the borders and help avoid multi-kilometer traffic jams.
Since the beginning of 2024, about 40% of payments with China have been made by Russian companies through payment agents. This is 15% more than a year earlier. Using intermediaries allows maintaining the stability of supplies but increases the settlement period.
Significant congestion of heavy trucks has formed on the Russian border with Kazakhstan, especially in the Altai Krai, Kurgan, and Chelyabinsk regions. The waiting time at border crossings in November increased to four days, and the delivery time from Almaty to Moscow increased to two weeks. The main reasons are the seasonal increase in cargo traffic, enhanced control by Kazakh customs, and insufficient infrastructure. These factors have led to an increase in delivery costs by 15%, which is already affecting the final price of goods for consumers.
Heavy snowfall in Eastern Siberia caused congestion on the federal highway R-258 'Baikal' between Ulan-Ude and Chita. A difficult road situation has developed on several sections, including the 670th, 691st, and 702nd kilometers, where truck traffic has slowed down. Road services and traffic police crews are working on site, but delays in movement persist due to the accumulated heavy trucks.
Turkish companies from the logistics sector are declaring bankruptcy en masse. This is due to the economic crisis and high debt burden. Russian FEA participants have already faced problems when registering new contracts and an increase in rates for transportation through Turkish ports.
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