The move by Russian authorities came into effect on 15 October and involved adding additional goods to their embargo list. This decision affected freight shipments already in transit from China to Europe via Russia. According to Alice Arduini, owner of the Italian freight forwarding company Alix International, the detained goods include everyday items such as men’s jackets, now subject to scrutiny over their potential military applications.
“Russia insists on physically inspecting each container to verify compliance, which leads to significant delays,” Arduini told the news site.
Ongoing disruptions
Despite ongoing inspections, many containers remain stuck in Russia months later. One train carrying 100 containers, halted near Smolensk in early November, continues immobilising as of 10 January 2025. Limited communication channels with Russian authorities have made it challenging for European operators to track shipments or obtain clear updates.
“Russia does not communicate directly with us, and even our Chinese partners struggle to get information,” Arduini told Transporto Europa.
To address the escalating crisis, Alix International has sought intervention from Italian institutions and trade bodies, including the Italy China Council Foundation and Federspedi. The latter confirmed that it has engaged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European trade federation Clecat to push for a coordinated response at the EU level.
Economic fallout
The delays have caused mounting frustration among businesses that chose rail over maritime routes to expedite deliveries. Arduini noted that some clients face dire consequences, with one warning that the delay could force them to close their company.
“This situation highlights the urgent need for transparency and coordinated European action,” Arduini urged, calling for institutional support to address the disruptions and minimize long-term risks to logistics operations.
As inspections continue, industry stakeholders await further developments and hope for clearer resolutions to ensure the stability of Europe’s supply chains.