Exports of Latvian companies to Russia are decreasing, but still remain at a fairly high level. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Economy, 128 companies exported to Russia in June of this year. This is 15 less than in December of last year. The list still includes two of the largest pharmaceutical companies – Grindeks and Olpha (formerly Olainfarm). For both, Russia has long been an important export market, and after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, they publicly announced that they were planning to reduce supplies to this country. Underwear manufacturer Lauma Lingerie continues to supply products to Russia, although it previously refused to give Delfi Bizness any comments on this matter. There are no other underwear manufacturers on the list that were still on the list in December, such as Albina-l and Nikol Djumon. SIA VOVA continues to export. The list of exporters in June also included the freight carrier Sonora RW. However, this company explained to the Ministry of Economy that Sonora RW has not exported to Russia, is not currently doing so, and does not intend to do so. The company explained that it is not a manufacturer and does not trade in goods, does not export them. The company provides warehousing services, prepares customs declarations, including re-export procedures for goods that belong to owners from third countries (not from Russia). According to the company, the consignors in this case were also from third countries (not from Russia) and imported goods into the EU, namely Latvia. Sonora RW carried out the re-export procedure, prepared declarations, checked that the consignors, consignees and the goods themselves are not subject to international sanctions, and only then fulfilled the will of the owners of the goods, i.e. sent the goods belonging to them to their consignees. Thus, Sonora RW only re-exported and did not export any goods. "The company would also like to note that it is making every possible effort to correct this misunderstanding, as its presence on this list is misleading to business partners," the company emphasized. In June of this year, Latvia exported goods to Russia worth 64.21 million euros, and in December 2023 – 79.57 million euros.
