Spirits from "unfriendly" countries to become much more expensive in Russia

The Russian authorities are planning to increase import duties on spirits from "unfriendly" countries from €3 to €5 per litre.

Source: Russian newspaper Kommersant

Details: Market sources told Kommersant that the corresponding government decree is expected as early as November 2026, and the new duties may take effect immediately.

Since September 2024, Russia has imposed a duty on imported alcohol from unfriendly countries at a rate of 20% of the customs value of the products, but not less than €3 per litre.

The duty increase will naturally lead to a rise in the cost of imported alcohol. Wholesale prices at the current exchange rate will rise by about 70-100 roubles (roughly €0.65-0.95) per bottle, the newspaper states. A 70 cl bottle in the mass-market segment will increase in price by over 200 roubles (roughly €1.90).

For expensive imports, the duty increase will be less noticeable to consumers.

Retail chains' stocks of alcohol already imported will only last until the end of the year.

Background: It was previously reported that although Latvia unequivocally supports Ukraine in the war, it has not stopped supplying goods to Russia: last year, its exports amounted to more than €962 million, half of which was alcohol.

Subscribe on Patreon to back our journalism long-term.