Russia · Country watch
Russia-Afghanistan Trade Doubles, Karelia Vape Ban
Russia's trade with Afghanistan doubles, while Karelia bans vape sales from March 2027, impacting businesses and consumers.
The picture Stable How this is judged →
Business conditions in Russia remain stable as trade with Afghanistan doubles, offering new opportunities, while Karelia's vape ban impacts local retailers.
In this briefing Artur Parfenchikov · Republic of Karelia · Wildberries · Ozon · Ministry of Finance (Russia) · Aleksey Overchuk · Abdul Ghani Baradar · Russia · Afghanistan
Regulation
Karelia bans vape sales from March 2027
The Republic of Karelia has enacted a law banning the sale of vapes and related products, effective from March 1, 2027. Interfax reports that the regional legislative assembly approved the law, which prohibits the retail sale of electronic nicotine delivery systems and liquids. Artur Parfenchikov, the head of Karelia, announced the decision, which aims to address public health concerns related to vaping.
Impact Retailers in Karelia must cease vape sales by March 2027, affecting inventory and sales strategies.
Sources: RG.ru Rossiyskaya Gazeta ↗, interfax ↗
Russia expands support for Wildberries and Ozon
The Russian government has expanded support measures for businesses affected by attacks on major online marketplaces Wildberries and Ozon, according to the Ministry of Finance. Rossiyskaya Gazeta reports that the government updated the list of incidents that qualify businesses for assistance. This move is part of ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of cyberattacks on digital commerce platforms.
Impact Sellers on Wildberries and Ozon gain access to expanded government support following cyberattacks.
Sources: RIA ↗, RG.ru Rossiyskaya Gazeta ↗
Trade
Russia-Afghanistan trade surpasses $349 million
Trade between Russia and Afghanistan more than doubled in the first eight months of 2026, reaching over $349 million, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksey Overchuk. He announced the growth during talks with Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar. Russian exports to Afghanistan increased 2.2 times, with Afghan imports into Russia seeing a similar rise. Interfax reports that Afghan fruits and vegetables have begun entering the Russian market, marking a significant expansion in bilateral trade relations.
Impact Exporters and importers in agriculture and retail sectors see increased trade opportunities with Afghanistan.
Sources: Izvestia ↗, interfax ↗
Nothing significant reported today in Disruption · Internal tension · Safety & health · Companies · Markets · Politics.
Also today in the local press
- Правительство уточнило правила поддержки пострадавших от атак на маркетплейсы — Izvestia
- МЧС назвало причину крупного пожара на складе в Казани — RIA Novosti
- Онищенко назвал ситуацию с гриппом в России прогнозируемой — Izvestia
- Индексы МосБиржи и РТС начали основную сессию ростом на 0,1% — interfax
- Ukraine’s trade deficit reaches nearly $52 bln in January-October — Tass
- Появилось видео беспорядков в Испании на фоне всеобщей забастовки — rambler Novosti
- Indian garment exporters diversify away from US — RT
- Начнется ли ценовая война на мировом рынке нефти: Разбор "РГ" — RG.ru Rossiyskaya Gazeta
Sources in this briefing
Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.