Russian deputy PM supports imposing 50% tariff on ‘hostile’ wine. : Analysis

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev has endorsed the idea of increasing import duties on wines from countries that imposed sanctions on Russia. The proposed hike aims to support domestic winemaking by directing funds to Russian viticulture. The suggestion to raise tariffs on ‘unfriendly’ countries’ wines to 50% came from the Association of Russian Winegrowers and Winemakers, following previous increases from 12.5% to 25%. The government plans to use these funds for domestic wine production and tourism development. Additionally, a draft law may require 20% of wine in Russian restaurants and stores to be domestically produced by March 2025. As a response to EU sanctions limiting wine exports to Russia, imports from Italy and Spain decreased, allowing Lithuania, Georgia, and Latvia to become major suppliers. Experts suggest that some Baltic states may be reselling wine from other EU countries. Russian wine imports from Georgia reached a record high in 2023.

Analysis:
The article discusses Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev’s backing of increasing import duties on wines from countries that have imposed sanctions on Russia to boost domestic winemaking. The proposal, aligned with the Association of Russian Winegrowers and Winemakers’ idea, aims to raise tariffs to 50% from previous levels of 12.5% to 25%. These increased tariffs are meant to foster domestic wine production and bolster tourism efforts, with a potential law mandating 20% of wine in Russian establishments to be locally made by 2025.

While the article provides a clear account of the proposed measures and their intended effects, it lacks depth in exploring the potential repercussions on trade relations with affected countries. The sourcing appears primarily based on official statements and industry experts, indicating reliability on the details presented. However, the piece may be subject to bias in favor of the Russian government’s objectives, as it emphasizes the positive impacts of the tariff hikes without delving into potential drawbacks or opposing viewpoints.

Given the current political climate and the prevalence of fake news, this article could sway public perception by framing the tariff increase as a beneficial move supporting Russian industries while overlooking possible negative consequences like trade disputes or increased pricing for consumers. As such, readers should seek additional sources and consider broader geopolitical implications to form a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Source: RT news: Russian deputy PM backs 50% duty on ‘unfriendly’ wine