“Kommersant” reported a sharp increase in wine imports to Russia before the increase in duties

Imports of all wines to Russia in July, a month before the increase in duties on such products from unfriendly countries, exceeded 45.5 million liters, excluding the EAEU. About it writes “Kommersant” with reference to the data of market participants.

The volume of July deliveries increased by 17% compared to June, becoming the maximum this year as a result. In annual terms, imports in July increased by 46%, and in January-July – by 42% to 251 million liters.

At the end of July, the government raised duties on the import of wine from unfriendly countries from 12.5% ​​to 20% (but not less than $1.5 per liter). As the Ministry of Economy noted then, this measure is a response to actions against Russia by such states. The duties came into effect on 1 August.

According to the publication, the import of wine from Italy increased most of all (by 56.6% in monthly terms and by 65% ​​in annual terms), amounting to 17 million tons in July. As a result, this country became the leader in the supply of still of wines to Russia from 35.17 million liters, ahead of Georgia (35.14 million liters).

Ladoga President Veniamin Grabar explained to the newspaper that such figures in July were due to an increase in orders from Russian importers in May-June, when information about a possible increase in duties appeared, as well as a forecast for an increase in exchange rates. According to him, in August imports will also exceed the results of August 2022, but in September and October it will decrease by 15-30%. Maxim Kashirin, president of the Simple Group, agrees with him, noting that after the sale of leftovers, consumers will switch to wines from other regions due to rising prices for products from unfriendly countries.

In July Minek informedthat the market for wine products after the increase in duties will be saturated with domestic producers and imports from friendly and neutral countries. Imports of still wines from Chile in 2022 increased in value terms by 9%, from Armenia – by 161%, the ministry noted. Demand for South African wines also increased. Now the list of unfriendly countries includes 49 states, among them the USA, EU, Japan, Australia, Canada, Great Britain.