August 19, 2024

Made in Russia?


Made in Russia?
Director General Almaz-Antey Corp. Vladislav Menshikov, President of Russia Vladimir Putin, and Director General of North-West Region Center of Almaz-Antey Corp. Michail Podvyaznikov. Zumlik, Wikimedia Commons

In 2014, immediately after Russia's annexation of Crimea, the Russian government set goals to reduce imports. Specifically, on August 6, 2014, the government introduced a ban on purchasing most food products from Western countries. Ten years later, journalists from the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta Evropa have analyzed the results of import substitution in several key industries and concluded that no significant success had been achieved, despite various preferences given to Russian producers, including credit, leasing, and priority in government procurement.

The best progress in import substitution has been in agriculture, with Russia becoming a meat exporter and fully self-sufficient in grain, vegetable oil, sugar, and fish. However, the country remains heavily dependent on seed imports.

The situation in other sectors is worse. In particular, plans to produce pharmaceutical substances — raw materials for the production of finished drugs — have failed. According to one expert, Russia's dependence on such raw material supplies may exceed 80 percent.

The aviation and automotive industries are in even worse shape. Only 33 percent of commercial flights are carried out on Russian aircraft, and these account for just 5 percent of passenger turnover, as most Russian planes in use are small. The start of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine severely disrupted the automotive industry, reducing the share of domestically produced cars to 46 percent, a figure that has decreased by 1.7 times, compared to 2021 levels.

To portray import substitution as a success, Russian officials have resorted to various tactics, including rebranding foreign goods as Russian or changing target goals.

You Might Also Like

A Regional Disparity
  • July 18, 2024

A Regional Disparity

Authorities spent ten times more money on barrage shelters in Moscow and the Moscow Oblast than in regions bordering Ukraine.
Good Riddance, McDonald's
  • June 09, 2024

Good Riddance, McDonald's

The head of a Russian consumer protections ministry expressed glee at the exit of McDonald's from Russia.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices
May 01, 2013

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices

Stargorod is a mid-sized provincial city that exists only in Russian metaphorical space. It has its roots in Gogol, and Ilf and Petrov, and is a place far from Moscow, but close to Russian hearts. It is a place of mystery and normality, of provincial innocence and Black Earth wisdom. Strange, inexplicable things happen in Stargorod. So do good things. And bad things. A lot like life everywhere, one might say. Only with a heavy dose of vodka, longing and mystery.

The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955