Russia’s imports of Western goods dropped 50% in 2025 as stricter government oversight and border disruptions reduced a crucial supply channel created after many foreign companies exited the market. The official mechanism allowed Apple smartphones to keep entering Russia through re-exports without the trademark owner’s consent.
Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov told state news agency TASS that imports brought in without permission from trademark holders fell by nearly half last year.
According to his data, Russia imported goods worth $20.9 billion through parallel schemes between January and November, down 45% from $37.9 billion during the same period a year earlier. Monthly volumes also declined to about $2 billion, compared with roughly $4 billion when the system first began.
Policy shifts narrow list of eligible goods
The decline followed a series of policy changes. Authorities removed cosmetics and perfumes from so-called “unfriendly” countries from the approved list. Moreover, officials signaled plans to exclude clothing and electronics, arguing that domestic producers or suppliers from “friendly” states can replace these items. As a result, the scope of goods eligible for parallel importation continued to shrink.
Alikhanov acknowledged that the government’s earlier projection of $25 billion in parallel imports for 2025 “no longer looks relevant,” citing customs data that shows a sustained downward trend.
Border disruptions deepen supply problems
Meanwhile, logistical obstacles further restricted flows. Late in the year, President Vladimir Putin ordered tighter oversight of goods routed through Kazakhstan. Consequently, customs officials received broader authority to seize shipments lacking complete documentation, which caused prolonged delays at border crossings.
Importers and logistics companies reported that up to 10% of Russia’s imports remained stuck at the Kazakh border by November, disrupting supplies for some retailers, especially online marketplaces.
Overall, analysts at the Gaidar Institute said Russia’s total imports fell 2.4% in 2025. They added that investment-related goods still remain well below pre-war levels, highlighting ongoing pressure on the economy.
