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Russia is preparing to raise import duties on alcoholic beverages once again in 2026, a move that is expected to push up prices and reshape the country’s drinks market. The decision comes amid ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on imports from so-called “unfriendly countries” and support domestic producers. It will mark the second increase in duties in just over a year and a half, signalling a continued tightening of trade conditions for foreign alcohol brands.
Since September 2024, Russia has already imposed a duty of 20 percent of the customs value on imported alcohol, with a minimum threshold of €3 per litre of pure alcohol. The upcoming hike is expected to build on this framework, further increasing costs for importers and distributors. While authorities have not disclosed the exact new rate, industry players expect a noticeable impact across multiple price segments.
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Domestic producers of cognac and whisky are likely to benefit in the short term. Many local brands have struggled with declining demand since the start of 2026, partly due to changing consumer preferences and rising competition from imported labels. Higher duties could give them some relief by making foreign alternatives more expensive and less accessible.
However, as per The Drinks Business industry experts warn that the broader impact on the market could be negative. Analysts from Alkopro Guild believe the duty hike will lead to a significant increase in retail prices for imported drinks, which may reduce consumer demand, especially for popular mid-range products. Importers are expected to face the biggest challenges, as rising costs and tighter margins could disrupt supply chains and product availability.
Ruslan Bragin, head of spirits at major wine trading company Fort, has said the move will likely lead to a sharp increase in costs across the sector. As seen in previous duty hikes, a large portion of these costs will be passed on to consumers. This means shoppers in Russia could soon see noticeably higher prices for imported wines, whiskies, and other spirits. Bragin also noted that imported alcohol may gradually disappear from lower and mid-price categories, leaving only premium options widely available.
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Major importer Ladoga Group has echoed similar concerns, predicting that price growth will affect the entire market. However, the increase is expected to happen gradually as existing inventory is sold off. According to the company, the most significant price spikes are likely to occur in the second half of 2026.
The changing landscape is also pushing foreign brands to adapt. Some companies are exploring local production to avoid high import costs. For instance, Alvisa is planning to begin local production of Martini under license from Bacardi. Previously, Martini was supplied to Russia from Argentina, but local bottling could help maintain competitive pricing.
Despite restrictions, major global players like Pernod Ricard and Bacardi have still seen retail sales in Russia rise by over 20 percent in early 2026, supported by parallel imports and localisation strategies. As duty pressures increase, such approaches are expected to become more common across the industry.
