Belarus Outpaces Germany in Imports of German Vehicles
A New Shift in German Car Imports: Belarus Takes the Lead
Article by Oksana Kuznetsova
Something's brewing in the world of automobiles, and it's all happening on the eastern front. Belarus has swooped in to become the primary channel for shipping a whopping 36% of new German cars to Russia – a staggering statistic reported by the director of the analytical agency "Autostat," Sergei Tselikov.
For a bit of perspective, direct imports from Germany during the first four months of 2025 consisted of only 1% of the total volume – a measly 664 new and 1786 used cars. Compare that to the 3175 new German cars sent from Belarus, and you get a sense of the significant shift in supply routes.
The top five suppliers aren't limited to Belarus, though. Kyrgyzstan claims 26%, China settles for 12%, South Korea snags 8%, and of course, Germany manages 6%. But when it comes to used German cars, the landscape changes: South Korea leads the charge with 42%, followed by Japan with 18%, Georgia with 12%, China with 9%, and Belarus barely making it to 7%.
The Russian people have their favorites, too. BMW tops the list, commanding 39% of the market, followed closely by Mercedes-Benz (24%), Volkswagen (18%), Audi (12%), and Porsche (4%). According to "Autostat" calculations, these beloved German brands currently make up a cozy 10% of the Russian car park.
While the intricacies of the car market in Russia may seem daunting, one thing is clear: Belarus has emerged as a key player, bringing in a significant portion of Germany's finest automobiles. The ongoing sanctions and logistical challenges may have forced a swift adaptation, but it's seemingly paying off for both Belarus and Germany.
- The shift in German car imports has seen Belarus surge ahead in the transportation industry, becoming a significant player in the finance-driven automotive business, particularly in the business dealings between Germany and Russia.
- Despite the top five car suppliers including Kyrgyzstan, China, South Korea, and of course, Germany, Belarus stands out by shipping over a third (36%) of new German cars to Russia, challenging the traditional direct imports from Germany.
- As Belarus strengthens its role in the automotive industry, it raises questions about future economic collaborations and potential growth in the finance sector, given the sizeable share it now holds in the transportation of high-end German vehicles.
