Thousands Of Chinese Trucks Stuck At Kazakhstan's Border On Their Way To Russia

• 16.10.2025, 11:24

They are being actively searched.

Thousands of trucks from China have been stuck on Kazakhstan's border with Russia since mid-September. This is slowing the flow of dual-use goods that support Russia's defense industry, writes Forbes.

About 2,500 trucks, many carrying electronics, components for drones and Western-branded goods, are now stuck at the checkpoints between the countries. Kazakh customs officials have stepped up inspections of cargo suspected of being used to circumvent sanctions. Russian publication Kommersant estimates the number of detained vehicles at about 7,500.

The congestion began in mid-September, when Kazakhstan began checking shipments to Russia and Belarus more closely. EUToday reports that up to 99% of trucks carrying sensitive goods face intensive inspections. Analysts say this reflects Astana's new policy of stricter enforcement of Western sanctions, although some experts believe the congestion may be due to normal bilateral trade friction.