Parallel imports, launched by Russian authorities as an emergency measure after sanctions were imposed, are steadily shrinking in 2025.
The mechanism that had allowed Russia’s economy to receive products from departing Western companies is rapidly winding down.
The volume of such shipments fell by nearly half in 2025, The Moscow Times reports, citing comments Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov made to Russian media.
From January to November 2025, Russia imported $20.9 billion worth of goods without rights holders’ permission—down 45% from the same period in 2024, when parallel imports totaled $37.9 billion.
Monthly flows have also weakened. In the early months of the mechanism, volumes reached up to $4 billion a month; by the end of 2025, they had dropped to about $2 billion.
As a result, the initial 2025 forecast of $25 billion no longer looks realistic, with a clear trend toward significant declines, the minister said.
One factor behind the decrease is the government’s decision to revise the list of goods allowed under parallel import. Last year, cosmetics and perfumes from countries deemed “unfriendly” to the Kremlin were removed.
In addition, the Industry and Trade Ministry announced a phased removal of clothing and household appliances, which, according to Russian authorities, can be replaced by supplies from “friendly” countries or by domestic alternatives.
Importers faced added hurdles late in the year after Russian President Vladimir Putin called to “legalize” goods flowing through Kazakhstan. Customs authorities gained the right to confiscate shipments lacking full documentation.
Tighter controls led to stepped-up inspections at the border and miles-long queues.
