Russian Railways has introduced discounts on export shipments of coal and meat on two routes, from the Kuzbass and Bryansk regions to Primorsky Krai, according to the company's statement.

Starting August 1, 2026, a 13.2% discount applies to export shipments of coal in 20-foot open-top containers from Kuzbass (Birulinskaya Station) to Kamysyova Station (Kamysyova-Hunchun border crossing with China) until July 31, 2027.

A volume-based discount of 16.7% applies to export shipments of meat and offal in 40-foot reefer containers from Bryansk (Bryansk-Lgovsky station) to Vladivostok until the end of 2027. An additional 4.1% discount will be offered for shipments exceeding 2,040 containers.

The company is also exploring a flexible tariff policy to attract additional cargo volumes for rail transport.

Russian Railways frequently applies freight discounts to stimulate cargo movement, particularly amid shifting market conditions, having previously introduced such incentives on coal shipments via western and southern routes in 2019 and 2020 when coal export prices were declining.

Discounts on coal transportation have at times been provided in exchange for guaranteed shipment volumes from coal companies and regions, including Kuzbass and Khakassia, though they could be revoked if promised volumes were not met. Russian Railways has also repeatedly stated it views direct government subsidies as a preferable means of supporting the coal industry over discounts, which could result in losses for the company itself.