Wildberries may move warehouse operations to Kazakhstan, but no request submitted
Kazakhstani authorities have not received an official request from the Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries concerning a potential relocation of its warehouse operations to Kazakhstan, despite media reports suggesting such a move.
Russian media outlets have indicated that Wildberries is exploring the transfer of its warehouse capacity to Kazakhstan in the wake of Ukrainian attacks. However, officials in Kazakhstan confirm no formal application has been submitted.
A source within Kazakhstan's political sphere informed DW that this possibility is currently being examined as a hypothetical situation rather than a definite strategy.
The source explained that shifting warehouse operations to Kazakhstan would substantially lengthen transportation distances for deliveries to customers in European Russia, consequently driving up logistics expenses.
Furthermore, the source noted that these extended transport routes, coupled with diminishing purchasing power in both Kazakhstan and Russia, could lead to elevated product prices and reduced sales volumes.
The source also highlighted that Kazakhstan presently lacks available warehouse facilities of 100,000 square meters or more, which would be necessary for a relocation of this magnitude.
Current warehouse infrastructure is concentrated around major urban centers such as Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, and Karaganda. Border cities like Uralsk, Aktobe, Kostanay, and Petropavlovsk possess very limited warehouse capacity.
The source added that Kazakh authorities would rigorously ensure adherence to international sanctions should Wildberries transport goods via Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan would prohibit its territory from being utilized for the transit or re-export of dual-use goods to Russia. Any consignments containing goods subject to export controls would be intercepted and blocked during border inspections.
As of now, Kazakh authorities reiterate that Wildberries has not submitted any official request regarding the relocation of its warehouse operations.