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Russian government nearly doubles import duties on hard liquor from ‘unfriendly’ countries
Russia has nearly doubled import duties on hard liquor from countries it classifies as “unfriendly”, raising the rate to 35% of customs value with a minimum charge of five euros per litre. The temporary increase is due to remain in force until the end of 2027 and is expected to bring more revenue into the federal budget.
The change replaces a 20% duty with a three-euro-per-litre minimum. Interfax, citing an explanatory note to the draft federal budget, reported that the higher charges could add 10 billion roubles to the budget in 2027. Duties were last changed in 2024, and in September 2026 Russia also raised duties on dietary supplements from “unfriendly” countries to 35%, with Hungary and Slovakia exempt.
In short
- Hard liquor duties rise to 35%, with a five-euro-per-litre minimum.
- The temporary measure runs through the end of 2027.
- The increase is forecast to add 10 billion roubles in 2027.
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The case for
Supporters could argue that higher duties protect domestic producers from foreign competition and raise revenue for public services, while giving the state a way to respond to countries it considers unfriendly. The temporary measure may also encourage buyers to choose locally produced spirits.
The case against
Critics could argue that targeting imports by country politicises trade and risks inviting retaliation, while higher costs may be passed on to consumers and businesses. They may also question whether the added revenue justifies narrowing consumer choice or sheltering domestic producers from competition.
Explained simply
Russia uses the term “unfriendly countries” for states with which it has strained relations; the label covers many Western countries. Import duties are taxes charged on goods brought into the country, usually paid by importers and potentially reflected in prices.
The Russian government sets these duties, while the federal budget receives the revenue. The measure applies to hard liquor from countries in the designated group, with Hungary and Slovakia exempt from the higher rate described here. It is part of a wider use of import duties on goods from those countries, and the extra revenue could affect both public finances and the cost of imported products.
Europe Government Politics World