Between January and August 2025, Russia exported USD 4 million worth of wine, marking a 31% increase year-on-year, according to data from the federal center Agroexport.
In physical terms, shipments rose by 17% to 2,500 tons, signaling both rising international demand and a broader positioning of Russian wines in foreign markets.
China Leads as Key Buyer
China has emerged as the most important destination for Russian wines, accounting for 31% of total exports. Other major markets include:
- Belarus – 23%
- Kazakhstan – 15%
- Turkey – 8%
- Abkhazia (Georgian region) – 6%
This regional distribution highlights Russia’s reliance on nearby markets and Asia for its wine export growth.
Global Context: A Growing Wine Market
Sparkling wines remain the flagship of Russian exports, with 1,500 tons shipped abroad, worth over USD 2.4 million. In second place are grape wines packaged in containers of 2 liters or less, which reached over 800 tons, generating almost USD 1.5 million.
The performance of Russian wine exports comes against the backdrop of a steadily expanding global wine market. According to Statista, the international wine industry was valued at USD 333 billion in 2024, with turnover expected to reach USD 337 billion in 2025 and consumption levels at approximately 23.7 million liters. By 2030, the global market is projected to approach USD 370 billion.
European Union Exports to Russia Rise
Interestingly, while Russia continues to build its export footprint, it remains a significant importer of wine from the European Union. In July 2025, EU wine exports to Russia surged to EUR 49.3 million, the highest since October of the previous year, according to Eurostat. This represented a one-third increase compared to June.
Italy stood out as Russia’s largest EU supplier, delivering EUR 21.1 million worth of wine—a 50% increase month-on-month. Germany recorded the strongest growth rate, rising from EUR 1.6 million to EUR 2.85 million. Latvia also expanded its shipments significantly, up by one-third to EUR 9.9 million, while Portugal grew exports by 20% to EUR 4 million. Spain rounded out the top five, increasing sales by 10% to EUR 1.2 million.
The only exception to this upward trend was Poland, which saw its wine exports to Russia fall by 4% year-on-year to EUR 8 million.
Outlook
Russia’s wine export momentum illustrates both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, domestic producers—particularly in sparkling wine—are finding growth markets abroad, especially in China and neighboring countries. On the other hand, the strong presence of European wines in the Russian market underlines the competition local producers face at home.
As global demand expands and competition intensifies, Russia’s ability to scale production, maintain quality, and expand distribution networks will determine whether its recent export gains are the beginning of sustained growth or merely a temporary boost.
Source: Kommersant