OREANDA-NEWS In January, leasing companies in Russia again faced an increase in runoff, as deferred payments did not help small and medium-sized businesses cope with the crisis. Kommersant writes about this with reference to industry representatives.

According to their estimates, by the end of 2025, the market hoped for a change in the situation with the Central Bank's rate and the stabilization of customers' business, but these hopes did not come true. In some cases, payments were not received in January.

One of the interlocutors of the publication added that the growth in equipment returns was influenced by the generally low demand in the automotive market at the beginning of the year.

By now, about 70 percent of the wastewater is accounted for by freight transport. Most of the surveyed leasing companies hope that in the coming months they will begin to get rid of machinery amid a new increase in recycling and a decrease in car imports.

Experts believe that the situation will improve with a reduction in the key rate. In this case, by the third or fourth quarter, leasing companies will be able to move away from the practice of providing discounts and switch to normal working conditions in order to monetize equipment.

Earlier, the Avtogruzex association proposed to introduce preferential leasing conditions for domestic cargo carriers, that is, to reduce rates to 5-10 percent and extend the term of contracts from five to seven years. Otherwise, the industry warns, Russian companies will not be able to compete with the Chinese.