Russia continues to import tires produced by French company Michelin despite sanctions on the sale of civilian and aviation tires to the country. Guardian reports that the trade is being conducted through intermediary companies, including one based in the U.K. Guardian reports that Michelin tire shipments valued at 28 million dollars were being acquired in 2023 as of September 2024 — despite the company halting all exports to Russia since March 2022 following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Now, analysis of records shows that significant quantities continue to pass through despite efforts being made to adapt systems to track the diversion of Michelin products. From a supply chain perspective, Michelin, originating from Clermont-Ferrand, France, and founded in 1889 by Édouard Michelin and André Michelin, is one of the world's largest tire manufacturers.
According to records analyzed by Ukraine's Economic Security Council of Ukraine (ESCU), between October 2024 and March 2025, Russia acquired 2,687 Michelin tires valued at more than 7 million dollars. Analysis of the full year 2024 suggests that sales are being facilitated by intermediaries. From a supply chain perspective, the global tire market is dominated by Michelin, Bridgestone (Japan), Goodyear (U.S.), Continental (Germany), Pirelli (Italy; ChemChina), Sumitomo Rubber (Japan), Hankook (Korea), Yokohama (Japan), Maxxis (Taiwan), Apollo Tyres (India), Cooper Tire (Goodyear), Toyo Tire (Japan), Triangle Group, and ZC Rubber (China). In Russia, Nizhnekamskshina, Yaroslavl Tire Plant, and Cordiant are local tire manufacturers — but fall short in premium quality and aviation-grade standards.
From a supply chain perspective, the EU sanctions regime, under Council Regulation (EU) 833/2014 and subsequent regulations targeting Russia, prohibits exports including luxury goods, advanced technology, dual-use products, and civilian/aviation tires. The U.K., U.S. (OFAC), Canada, Australia, Japan, and Switzerland apply similar regimes. Circumvention and sanctions evasion employ principal methods including third-country transshipment (Türkiye, UAE, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, China), shell company networks, front companies, BVI, Cyprus, Marshall Islands offshore structures, OFAC SDN List, EU Consolidated Sanctions List, UK OFSI, and compliance screening databases. Refinitiv World-Check, Dow Jones Risk & Compliance, LexisNexis, Sayari, Kharon, and Descartes Visual Compliance are the sector's leading screening tools.
From a supply chain perspective, parallel import has been formally legitimized by the Russian government since May 2022 — permitting imports without the trademark owner's approval. The Russian Federal Customs Service includes automotive spare parts, electronics, luxury goods, and tires in comprehensive lists under this mechanism. Michelin is testing tools such as blockchain-based tracking, VIN-based sales restrictions, and distributor contract clauses to sever Russia's distribution channels for Cromax/Davanti/premium brands. Aviation tires must be certified by FAA/EASA/Rosaviatsiya. Maintenance of Sukhoi Superjet, Aeroflot, S7, and Ural Airlines fleets are severely impacted by spare parts sanctions. Cannibalization is distinctly observed in Russian aviation post-2022. Consequently, the continued flow of Michelin tire shipments to Russia clearly demonstrates that the effectiveness of sanctions regimes is deeply linked to supply chain visibility.
Key Points:
1. Russia acquires Michelin tires through intermediary companies.
2. Michelin halted all exports in March 2022.
3. 2023: 28 million dollars; October 2024-March 2025: 2,687 tires valued at $7M+.
4. ESCU records expose intermediary chain including a U.K. intermediary.
5. Michelin is adapting tracking systems but products continue to flow through.
