Exclusive customs records indicate that Russia has continued to import specialist aviation tyres manufactured by the French company Michelin, despite stringent European Union sanctions imposed following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Customs Data Reveals Ongoing Trade
The findings, based on a detailed analysis of Russian customs data, show that at least 1,300 Michelin aircraft tyres entered Russia between January and August 2024. These imports, with a declared value exceeding $2.6 million, occurred well after Michelin publicly announced its withdrawal from the Russian market and the EU banned exports of aircraft parts and equipment to the country.
The data suggests a complex network of intermediaries facilitating the trade. While the tyres were manufactured by Michelin, the shipments were orchestrated by companies based in countries including Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This points to a deliberate effort to obscure the final destination and circumvent the sanctions regime.
Michelin's Response and Supply Chain Gaps
In response to the revelations, a spokesperson for Michelin stated the company ceased all direct business activities in Russia in March 2022. They emphasised that Michelin does not control products once they are sold to independent distributors and has implemented strict contractual clauses to prevent resale into Russia. The company has initiated an internal investigation into the matter.
However, the evidence highlights a significant weakness in the enforcement of sanctions: the "grey market" for aviation parts. Once tyres and other components enter the global supply chain through third-party distributors, tracing their ultimate destination becomes extremely challenging. This loophole is being exploited to keep Russian commercial and cargo aircraft operational.
Implications for Sanctions Enforcement
The continued flow of critical aircraft components like Michelin tyres underscores the difficulties in completely severing Russia's access to Western technology. Aviation experts note that while Russia has ramped up domestic production of some parts, high-specification items like tyres for certain aircraft models remain reliant on foreign sources.
This situation raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current sanctions enforcement mechanisms. It suggests that without stricter monitoring of global supply chains and greater pressure on intermediary nations, vital equipment will continue to reach Russia, potentially prolonging its aviation capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict.
The data analysis reinforces calls from Ukraine's allies for more robust measures to close these supply chain gaps and hold enablers of sanctions evasion accountable.
