Russian Spirits Exports to India Surge Nearly 4x to $900,000 in 10 Months
Russian spirits exports to India have surged dramatically in the first 10 months of the year, with shipments nearly quadrupling compared to the same period last year. Export volume increased to 520 tonnes, a 3x increase, while export value reached $900,000, a 4x increase. Vodka shipments, valued at $760,000, were the primary driver of this growth. Despite the significant growth, India remains the 14th largest importer of Russian spirits globally, accounting for about 1.3% of total export volume and 1.4-1.5% of revenue.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Russian spirits exports to India have surged dramatically in the first 10 months of the year, with shipments nearly quadrupling compared to the same period last year. The significant growth has positioned India as an emerging and attractive market for Russian exporters of alcoholic beverages.
According to data from the Federal Centre for Agricultural Export Development of the Russian Ministry of Agriculture (Agroexport), as reported by leading Russian financial daily "Vedomosti," India has become a key destination for Russian vodka and other hard alcoholic beverages.
Export Performance Overview
The trade figures reveal substantial growth across multiple metrics for Russian spirits exports to India:
| Metric | First 10 Months | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Export Volume | 520.00 tonnes | 3x increase |
| Export Value | $900,000.00 | 4x increase |
| Vodka Shipments | $760,000.00 | Primary driver |
Russian spirits producers shipped approximately 520.00 tonnes of various alcoholic beverages to India, including vodka, gin, whiskey, and liqueurs. This represents a three-fold increase in weight and four-fold increase in monetary terms compared to the previous year's corresponding period.
Vodka Leads Export Growth
Vodka emerged as the dominant product category driving the export surge to India. Agroexport data indicates that vodka shipments alone accounted for approximately $760,000.00 of the total $900,000.00 in spirits exports over the 10-month period. This substantial contribution underscores vodka's appeal in the Indian market and its role as the primary catalyst for the overall export growth.
Market Position and Global Context
Despite the impressive growth rates, India maintains a relatively modest position in Russia's global spirits export portfolio:
| Parameter | India's Position |
|---|---|
| Global Ranking | 14th largest importer |
| Volume Share | 1.30% of total exports |
| Revenue Share | 1.40-1.50% of total exports |
| Growth Rate | Highest among all importers |
While India ranked 14th among the largest importers of Russian spirits from January to October, the country demonstrated the most significant growth rate among all importing nations. Other major importers of Russian spirits include Kazakhstan, Georgia, China, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Belarus, which represent more established markets with higher absolute volumes.
The substantial growth in Russian spirits exports to India reflects evolving trade dynamics and consumer preferences in the Indian alcoholic beverages market, positioning the country as a promising destination for Russian exporters seeking to diversify their international presence.
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