In a significant development for the automotive market, Kyrgyzstan has become one of the top three suppliers of new cars to Russia in 2025. According to the Autostat agency, nearly 75,000 passenger cars were imported into Russia in August 2025 alone — 29,300 of them were new vehicles, while 45,600 were used. This highlights the ongoing growth in the Russian auto market, driven by cross-border partnerships and flexible import channels.
China remains the dominant supplier, accounting for 71.8% of all new car imports. However, Kyrgyzstan has climbed to second place, contributing 11.3% of total deliveries. This is a remarkable achievement for the Central Asian nation, which only a few years ago played a limited role in vehicle re-exports. Kazakhstan follows in third place with 4.6%, indicating an expanding regional network supporting Russia’s demand for foreign vehicles.
Why Kyrgyzstan’s Role Is Expanding
The growing share of Kyrgyzstan in new car exports to Russia is primarily due to its strategic trade position and adaptability to parallel import policies. Many European-brand vehicles shipped from Kyrgyzstan are, in fact, manufactured in China. This route allows traders to bypass certain import restrictions while ensuring a steady supply of popular international models to the Russian market.
In recent years, Kyrgyzstan has developed efficient logistics and customs arrangements that simplify vehicle deliveries across borders. The country benefits from its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which facilitates easier trade with Russia and reduces bureaucratic barriers. These advantages have transformed Kyrgyzstan into a re-export hub for automobiles, especially for brands no longer officially represented in Russia.
Market Trends: New vs. Used Car Imports
The used car market in Russia remains dominated by Asian suppliers. Japan continues to lead this category with 43.3% of total used vehicle imports, followed by South Korea (22.8%) and China (17.2%). However, experts note that Japan’s share has been gradually declining, while deliveries from Korea and China are steadily increasing.
In the new car segment, Chinese brands remain at the forefront. Changan’s UNI-S model leads the market, highlighting the strong performance of Chinese automakers in Russia. For used cars, Toyota and Honda Freed continue to dominate, reflecting the consistent popularity of Japanese engineering and reliability among Russian buyers.
Kyrgyzstan’s Economic Opportunity
For Kyrgyzstan, this new position as a key car supplier brings multiple economic benefits. Increased export activity supports local dealerships, logistics firms, and customs services, contributing to employment and revenue growth. The surge in car exports also strengthens bilateral economic ties between Kyrgyzstan and Russia, which have long been central to both countries’ trade strategies.
Furthermore, this trend encourages the expansion of Kyrgyz automotive infrastructure, including warehousing, transport terminals, and service centers for re-exported vehicles. As the global car market continues to evolve, Kyrgyzstan is positioning itself as a reliable intermediary for the movement of vehicles between Asia and Russia.
Conclusion: A Strategic Shift in the Regional Car Trade
The rise of Kyrgyzstan as a top car supplier to Russia in 2025 represents more than a trade statistic — it marks a shift in the balance of regional auto logistics. By leveraging its strategic location, flexible trade policies, and growing infrastructure, Kyrgyzstan has solidified its role as a vital player in the Eurasian automotive supply chain.
As demand for new vehicles in Russia remains strong and Chinese manufacturers continue to expand production, Kyrgyzstan’s influence in this market is likely to grow even further in the coming years.
