(Editor’s note: This article looks at the impact of Western sanctions on the printing industry in Russia, and how print businesses—who didn’t start the war—have managed to cope. WhatTheyThink in no way sanctions Russian aggression in Ukraine.)  

Historically, the Russian printing sector has been almost 100% dependent on imports, most of which come from Western countries. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United States, the European Union, and other Western countries introduced sanctions against the Russian economy, including segments of the Russian printing industry. It was easy to predict that the sector would suffer the most because of its dependence on Western technology and imports. Indeed, there was a sense of panic in the spring of 2022. But the market started to recover in the summer of 2022. The country has been flooded with equipment and consumables from China, India, Turkey, South Korea, and other countries. Not a single printing house  was closed. According to a study conducted by Alexander Amangeldyev from Kursiv magazine, the total amount of money spent by Russian companies on printing equipment in 2022 was over €148 million. This is 11% less than the €165 million spent in 2021, mainly due to the inability to purchase new offset presses. However, prices have risen significantly, with all consumables up to 40% more expensive, putting further pressure on printing companies.

Results in 2023 also exceeded expectations. In particular, the Russian label and narrow web converting industry has been growing. Prior to the sanctions, many Western companies with manufacturing operations in Russia imported labels/packaging from abroad. Those who have decided to stay, such as agriculture, food production, as well as pharmaceutical companies, are now placing their orders with the local print shops. The others have left Russia or sold business, but production of copycat products by local companies has increased dramatically. A number of companies with production facilities in Russia have started to produce private label products, imitation products and products with a change of label creating demand for labels and packaging.