Following tighter duties on wine imports from adversarial countries, supplies of still and sparkling wine from the European Union to Russia have fallen by nearly 40 percent, marking the lowest level in six years. Importers are increasingly turning to alternatives such as Georgia, Chile, and South Africa, a shift noted by RBC.
In the six months of the current marketing year, defined for wine as August through July of the following year, EU countries reported sending Russia 1.19 million hectoliters of wine. RBC indicated this figure represented the weakest half-year total in five years.
The decline in supply follows a period of steady growth in prior years. In the first half of the 2022/23 marketing year, Russia received 1.9 million hectoliters of still and sparkling wine from EU sources, reflecting a 36 percent increase over the previous year’s volume.
The leading EU suppliers to the Russian market remain the same, though most have reduced their volumes. Latvia, the largest supplier, cut imports by 44.3 percent to 368.3 thousand hectoliters. Lithuania’s exports to Russia fell by 32.3 percent to 299.1 thousand hectoliters, while Italy dropped by 29.5 percent to 295.5 thousand hectoliters. Spain’s shipments decreased dramatically by 66.7 percent, slipping to 50.2 thousand hectoliters. These shifts collectively illustrate a broader tightening of EU wine exports to Russia amid evolving trade dynamics and geopolitical considerations. (Source attribution: RBC)
Industry observers note that the current adjustments reflect both the pursuit of alternative sourcing destinations and evolving consumer demand within Russia. Importers are increasingly diversifying their portfolios to mitigate risk, secure supply chains, and respond to market conditions that have altered traditional trade patterns. Geographical diversification includes greater reliance on Georgia, Chile, and South Africa to fill gaps left by reduced EU volumes. (Source attribution: RBC)
From a broader perspective, the European wine sector has faced a mix of sanctions, regulatory developments, and shifting consumer tastes that shape export trajectories. While EU producers historically dominated Russia’s wine market, recent months have shown a pronounced slowdown in European shipments, accompanied by steady growth in shipments from non-EU regions. Analysts emphasize the importance of monitoring regulatory changes, currency fluctuations, and logistical efficiencies as they continue to influence trade flows and pricing. (Source attribution: RBC)
As the market adjusts, Russian importers and distributors are reevaluating inventory strategies, marketing approaches, and seasonal demand cycles. The temporary pauses in European supplies create opportunities for other producing regions to expand their presence, while Russian consumers may notice changes in the availability and variety of both still and sparkling wines. The current trend underscores the dynamic nature of international wine trade and the impact of external factors on traditional supplier relationships. (Source attribution: RBC)
In practical terms, industry insiders advise buyers to assess quality, consistency, and provenance when expanding or shifting supplier networks. With the wine market showing volatility across regions, maintaining a reliable supply while preserving product integrity becomes a key priority for importers and retailers alike. Consumers are likely to see ongoing adjustments in price points and available selections as trade patterns continue to evolve. (Source attribution: RBC)