The Russian authorities, in response to the expulsion of employees of the Russian Embassy from Prague, are considering the possibility of restricting the import of certain Czech-made goods, including beer. This is reported by “Kommersant” with reference to two sources in the state structures of the Russian Federation, familiar with the discussion of the issue.

“If we act in a mirror-like manner, then all the Czechs should be expelled together with the ambassador, and there it’s not far from the breakdown of diplomatic relations. Therefore, alternative answers are now being considered, “said one of Kommersant’s interlocutors.

Import of beer to Russia from the Czech Republic in 2020 amounted to more than $ 38 million, demonstrating an increase of 10% in annual terms. At the same time, experts interviewed by the publication note that the share of imported Czech beer on the Russian market is small. Basically, they said, Czech beers are produced in Russia under license using imported raw materials.

Other categories of goods, imports of which may be limited, include engineering products and components for cars.

(C)MEDUZA 2021