Russia has raised import duties on spirits imported from “unfriendly” countries to 35%, with a minimum tariff of 5 euros ($5.63) per liter, the Interfax news agency reported on Wednesday, citing a government decree.
The tariffs apply to whiskey, rum, gin, liqueurs, brandies, tinctures and undenatured ethyl alcohol, according to the document.
Russia maintains a list of 49 countries designated as “unfriendly,” including EU member states, the U.S., U.K. and other countries that imposed sanctions on Moscow after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Approved on Oct. 31, the tariffs will remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2027. The import duty previously stood at 20%, with a minimum tariff of 3 euros per liter.
Russia’s 2027-29 draft budget estimates that the liquor tariff hike will generate an additional 10 billion rubles ($122 million) for the federal budget next year, according to Interfax.
Alcohol industry experts previously told the newspaper Kommersant that the tariff increase will likely pass through to consumer retail prices once existing stocks run dry.
They also warned that, while the import duty hike aims to boost demand for Russian-made spirits, domestic producers may still see limited sales growth as alcohol consumption gradually wanes.
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.