The Finance Ministry, the Agriculture Ministry and the Economic Development Ministry already discussed in August the issue of increasing duties on wine from “hostile” countries. The increase could be 25%. An increase in taxes on strong alcohol is also being discussed.
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As sources told RBC Wine, the relevant departments also discussed increasing the base rate from $1.5 to $2 per liter. According to the publication’s interlocutor, the authorities are trying to develop measures that “will be sensitive for foreign companies and at the same time stimulate domestic production.”
In the summer of 2023, at the proposal of the Ministry of Economic Development, duties on wines from countries that the Russian Federation considers hostile were increased from 12.5 to 20%.
According to a source from the relevant department, this increase had its effect.
“The next decision in this regard will help equalize the prices of national wine in the mass consumption segment and low-budget imported wine. It is important to continue protecting the domestic market, maintaining comfortable conditions for imports from friendly countries, which will provide consumers with a familiar assortment and keep prices low,” the publication’s interlocutor is convinced.
According to a source at the Hotel Industry Union, raising the rate of import duties on wines is being considered to “increase revenues for the Russian budget.”
Additionally, the increased duties may extend to Georgia; Georgian wines are now imported duty-free. This measure, according to the authors of the initiative, will contribute to the development of national winegrowing.
In addition to wine, increased taxes may also affect strong alcohol. The question of increasing it to 20% of the cost, but not less than 3 euros per liter, is being discussed. According to current regulations, duties on spirit drinks range between 1.4 and 1.5 euros, depending on the category.
In early spring, the Russian Association of Winegrowers and Winemakers demanded that import duties on wines from NATO member countries be set at 200%.
Author:
Natalia Gormaleva
Source: RB

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