Chine Fabricant OEM d’autobus et d’autocars
En tant qu’organisation mondiale de coopération interbancaire, RAPIDE (Société pour les télécommunications financières interbancaires mondiales) est l’une des infrastructures financières les plus critiques et l’une des principales plateformes de messagerie financière internationale. It enables secure, reliable, fast, standardized, and automated communication for cross-border settlements, enhancing the convenience of global payments and widely adopted worldwide. Recent reports from Russian media suggest that Russia may soon rejoin the SWIFT system, a development expected to send shockwaves through global markets, particularly affecting Sino-Russian trade.
1. Facilitation of Payments and Settlements
Russia’s reconnection to SWIFT signifies the resumption of direct financial communication between Russian banks and their global counterparts, eliminating previous restrictions on cross-border transactions. For China’s used car export industry, which heavily relies on international payment channels, this change could streamline transactions. Historically, sanctions on Russia forced Chinese exporters to use intermediary banks, complicating processes and increasing costs. For example, Vneshtorgbank (VTB), Russia’s second-largest state-owned bank, has been a key partner for Chinese enterprises due to its Shanghai branch—the only Russian bank authorized by China’s CBIRC to operate in the country. However, since October last year, VTB’s online account-opening channel has been closed amid surging demand, leaving thousands of businesses queued for processing. The开户 process now requires documents to be submitted to VTB’s Moscow headquarters for expedited review, taking up to six months. Current processing times average three weeks, accompanied by high fees: a 3% handling fee for payers, a 1% fee for domestic enterprises receiving payments, and support for RUB/CNY settlements with funds arriving within 1–3 business days.
With SWIFT’s restoration, direct transactions between Chinese exporters and Russian buyers will become faster, cheaper, and more secure, reducing reliance on intermediaries. This improvement could enhance China’s used car competitiveness in Russia by cutting transaction costs and speeding up capital flows.
2. Currency Exchange Stability
SWIFT’s revival will stabilize Russia’s currency exchange environment. Sanctions previously disrupted forex markets, causing volatile RUB rates and increasing risks for importers/exporters. By reintegrating into SWIFT, Russia can normalize international currency transactions, mitigating exchange rate uncertainties. For Chinese exporters, stable exchange rates will improve profit predictability, particularly for large-scale deals, ensuring smoother fund conversions and reducing exposure to currency fluctuations.
3. Enhanced Trade Trust
Sanctions eroded trust in Russia’s financial system, affecting Sino-Russian trade. SWIFT’s reinstatement signals a restored level of international confidence in Russia’s banking sector, opening new opportunities for bilateral cooperation. For China’s used car industry, this increased trust will likely boost transaction transparency and security, encouraging more Russian buyers to engage in long-term partnerships. Reliable payment channels will also alleviate concerns about delayed or frozen funds, fostering a more stable trading environment.
4. Expanded Market Opportunities
Improved financial infrastructure will revitalise sectors like automotive in Russia, where affordable Chinese used cars hold significant appeal. Easier access to payment systems will empower smaller Russian dealers to procure vehicles directly from China, unlocking untapped regional markets. Chinese exporters can also expand their reach across Russia’s less-developed regions, leveraging efficient logistics and financing mechanisms to strengthen market penetration.
Conclusion
Russia’s return to SWIFT represents a pivotal moment for Sino-Russian trade, offering transformative benefits for China’s used car export sector. By streamlining payments, stabilizing currencies, rebuilding trust, and creating broader market access, SWIFT’s restoration will catalyze growth. Chinese exporters should seize this opportunity to invest in Russia’s market, optimize supply chains, and solidify their position in a competitive global landscape.
