Consumer goods account for a significant share of Russia’s non-resource-based exports.
Importers of Russian consumer goods worldwide prefer glassware, porcelain and ceramics, jewelry, musical instruments, children’s goods, and fashion accessories.
Russian porcelain goods are well-known abroad. The country’s Imperial Porcelain Factory has been producing top-quality china for over two centuries now. The factory’s exports today make 15 percent of the entire output. Its network of shops spans some 20 countries in Europe, Asia, and Australia. The factory’s products are traditionally among the highlights of Frankfurt’s Ambiente international industry show.
Russian children’s goods have a high promotional potential thanks to a number of popular and well-recognized Russia-made children’s cartoons that can be used to brand them. Some reports indicate that Masha and the Bear is one of the top five most popular cartoons in the world. It has many fans in China and the Middle East.
Clothing exports are also quite stable: over 30 million items were exported abroad in the first half of 2017, mostly gloves, T-shirts, dresses and suits. Russia-made apparel is imported mostly by Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.
Gloves and mittens were the most popular items on the exports list, with some 12 million pairs sold in H1 2017, and T-shirts and sweaters were the second most popular choice with overseas importers, with 7 million pieces ordered. In terms of revenue, dresses, suits and skirts accounted for $53 million, which amounts to one third of the total clothing exports. The total sales proceeds from consumer goods in H1 2017 exceeded $150 million.
Russian fashion designers are earning recognition abroad as well. For example, Black Star Wear brand is gaining popularity outside of Russia.
Small retailers also export fashion accessories abroad. One of them is Siberia-based fashion brand Brevno that specializes in fashion glasses with wooden frames and wooden designer accessories. The company exports its products to the United States, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Korea and many other countries.
Russia’s textile goods are winning some markets as well. Experts believe that the country’s best bet in this category is technical textile. Exports of dyed textile and knitted fabric are also growing.
