Russia is facing notable challenges in the check tape market as sanctions push prices higher and supply chains strain. Industry observers report that the value of check tapes has risen sharply in response to Western restrictions, pressuring retailers and manufacturers alike.
Viktor Evtukhov, deputy head of Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, noted that as foreign currencies weakened, the residual value of raw materials declined and the market began to outpace demand. This dynamic is altering how producers price and distribute check tapes, with currency fluctuations playing a key role in narrowing margins and affecting logistics.
Current industry estimates place Russia’s monthly production of cash tape at about 8,000 tonnes, while experts anticipate a sustained demand of roughly 5,000 tonnes. The gap between production capacity and evolving demand points to potential stockpiling and price volatility across the sector.
There are six major manufacturers operating in the Russian Federation, all holding substantial raw material inventories. With shipping costs easing in some corridors, the sector is able to maintain supply stability despite broader international tensions.
Retailers warned in March of a possible shortage of check tapes, highlighting that, beyond higher prices, product availability was thinning as suppliers reduced shipments. Market participants attributed the tension to several factors: a reduction in raw material flow, continued currency volatility, and disruptions to the supply chain linked to sanctions.
Analysts indicated that a significant portion of the industry could experience a notable shortfall in April, given the historical dependency on German suppliers for thermal paper and the broader impact of sanctions on trade routes. This outlook underscores the sensitivity of the tape market to geopolitical and currency shifts, and the imperative for diverse sourcing and strategic stock management.