Friday, September 25, 2026English edition
TheBinational

Country risk, from the local press

Russia · Country watch

Russia Proposes VAT on Foreign Online Purchases

Russia's Finance Ministry proposes a 22% VAT on foreign online purchases, impacting e-commerce and logistics sectors.

The picture Deteriorating

Business conditions in Russia are deteriorating due to new tax proposals on online purchases and logistical disruptions in Kuban. These developments add regulatory and operational challenges for companies.

In this briefing Ministry of Finance (Russia) · Krasnodar Krai · Moscow Exchange

Regulation

  • retail
  • logistics

Russia Proposes 22% VAT on Foreign Online Purchases

a person riding a bike down a snow covered street
Ivan Lapyrin / Unsplash

Russia's Finance Ministry has proposed a 22% VAT on foreign goods purchased online, according to RIA. The proposal also includes a customs fee of 100 rubles for parcels valued up to 200 euros. This initiative is part of the budget process aimed at leveling the playing field for domestic and foreign goods and increasing revenue. The Finance Ministry's press service highlighted the need to create a competitive environment and formalize the economy.

Impact E-commerce platforms and logistics providers handling foreign goods will face increased costs and regulatory compliance burdens.

Sources: RIA ↗, Izvestia ↗

Disruption

  • agriculture
  • logistics

Emergency Declared in Kuban Due to Grain Export Issues

The Governor of Krasnodar Krai has declared a state of emergency due to disruptions in grain exports following Ukrainian drone attacks on maritime vessels and port infrastructure, reports Rossiyskaya Gazeta. The attacks have hindered the transportation of agricultural products out of the region, affecting logistics and export operations. The emergency declaration aims to address these logistical challenges and mitigate the impact on the local economy.

Impact Grain exporters in Kuban face logistical challenges, potentially delaying shipments and affecting revenue.

Sources: RG.ru Rossiyskaya Gazeta ↗

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

  • finance

Russian Stock Market Consolidates Amid Mixed Factors

The Russian stock market consolidated above 2310 points on the Moscow Exchange index, reports Interfax. Market dynamics were mixed due to rising oil prices, with Brent crude futures climbing to $108 per barrel, and geopolitical risks. The ruble weakened, and new tax initiatives from the Finance Ministry also influenced market sentiment. Rosstat data showing a slowdown in annual inflation added to the mixed market environment.

Impact Investors in Russian equities face a complex trading environment influenced by oil prices, currency movements, and regulatory changes.

Sources: interfax ↗

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Russia

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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