Fabric imports from China via the Sheremetyevo Airport customs checkpoint are growing. The RF Federal Customs Service shared the development on its official messenger channel. In 2025, 121 fabric shipments were cleared at Sheremetyevo with a total weight of nearly 20 tons — a year-on-year increase of 42 per cent.
During the first month of 2026, 1.8 tons of fabrics was imported by air via Sheremetyevo, up 10 per cent year-on-year. China is one of the main raw material suppliers for Russia's textile and apparel sector. While Türkiye, India, and Pakistan have entered the alternatives pool during the sanctions era, China maintains its lead through price advantage.
Key drivers for choosing air imports include the need for rapid delivery of high-value-add specialty fabrics and the desire to avoid delays on sea and land corridors. Sheremetyevo, as Russia's busiest passenger and cargo airport, is the main gateway for flights from China. Apparel producers and pop-up fashion brands in the Moscow region are the primary customers for these imports. The Federal Customs Service has also accelerated digital customs processes for textile shipments arriving by air.
Key Takeaways:
1. Chinese fabric imports via Sheremetyevo are growing.
2. In 2025, 121 shipments totaling nearly 20 tons of fabric were cleared — +42% YoY.
3. In January 2026, 1.8 tons were imported by air — +10% YoY.
4. China remains a main raw material supplier for Russia's textile sector.
5. Air freight offers rapid delivery and avoids sea/land corridor delays.
