The European Union significantly increased its wine exports to Russia in July, following a sharp drop in supply that had reached its lowest point in nearly 15 years earlier this summer, according to data from Eurostat analyzed by RIA Novosti.
EU wine exports to Russia had steadily decreased throughout the second quarter of 2024, culminating in a low of 6,300 tons in June—the smallest volume since January 2010. However, in an unexpected turnaround, wine shipments to Russia surged by nearly double in July, reaching 12,100 tons.
All major European wine suppliers contributed to the increase. Spain saw the most significant rise, with exports jumping 2.4 times to 980 tons. Latvia followed with a 2.2-fold increase, sending 1,400 tons to Russia. Italy (4,900 tons), Portugal (1,300 tons), and Germany (about 800 tons) also saw their exports roughly double during the same period.
Sparkling wines led the surge, with shipments increasing 2.4 times compared to other types of wine, which rose by 1.8 times. In July, sparkling wine exports amounted to 3,700 tons, while other varieties reached 8,300 tons.
This export growth comes despite Russia’s higher import duties on wine from “unfriendly” countries. In 2022, the Russian government raised duties on wine from these countries from 12.5% to 20%, with a minimum of $1.5 per liter. Initially, the tariff increase was set to expire at the end of 2023 but was later extended through 2024. In August of this year, Russia increased the duties further, raising them to 25%, with a minimum of $2 per liter.
This increase in wine imports, despite higher tariffs, reflects an ongoing demand in Russia for European wines, even as economic and geopolitical factors continue to influence trade relations.
