The Russian government has reaffirmed its stance on the parallel import mechanism, with a decision to extend this policy through 2024. This renewal was communicated by Denis Manturov, the Minister of Industry and Trade, during a recent interview with RIA News. The extension signals a continued effort to balance domestic production needs with access to foreign products, ensuring steady supply chains for industries ranging from manufacturing to consumer goods.
Officials indicate ongoing work to align both manufacturers and terminology so that Russian enterprises can meet proposed volume and quality objectives. At the same time, foreign suppliers are being invited to request delisting as part of a streamlined process. The goal is to maintain a reliable flow of goods while gradually refining the scope of items covered by parallel imports, reflecting a measured, year-by-year adjustment rather than a sudden shift.
Manturov stressed that the government reached a common decision to extend the mechanism for 2024, emphasizing a gradual reduction in the list and nomenclature over time. This approach aims to preserve essential supply channels while encouraging modernization and closer alignment with domestic production capabilities and import substitutions as priorities shift.
Earlier remarks attributed to Manturov highlighted concerns about industrial espionage by unfriendly states. He noted that rival countries are actively seeking sensitive information on promising Russian developments, including weapon systems and specialized expertise. The statement underscores a broader strategic priority: safeguarding critical technologies while maintaining selective access to international markets and know-how through controlled channels.
Context from defense analysis groups has indicated shifts in Russia’s defense export dynamics in recent periods. For observers, these trends point to a broader recalibration of international trade in strategic goods, balancing security considerations with the need to sustain industry incentives and investment. The discussion around parallel imports sits within this broader framework, illustrating how policy tools adapt to evolving global and regional pressures while keeping domestic markets functional and competitive. (Cited: RIA News; SIPRI reports discussed in public briefings)