Russian light industry aims for 60% domestic market share

MOSCOW, September 29. /TASS/. The share of domestic products in the Russian light industry market has reached 45%, and the updated sector development strategy envisions raising this target to at least 60%, Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov said at a session of the BRICS+ Fashion Summit on Tuesday.

According to the minister, product shipments have expanded by over 20% annually over the past five years. Last year, domestic production rose by 12.4%, even as the broader market contracted by 3%.

Alikhanov noted that the current light industry strategy had projected this market share to reach 50% only by 2035.

"However, we have already managed to capture approximately 45% of the market. Therefore, in the strategy scheduled for approval before the end of this year, we will raise the bar--making it more ambitious--and increase the target to at least 60%," he said.

The Industry and Trade Ministry noted that while clothing production jumped by 23.5% last year, a consolidation phase has set in since the beginning of 2026, with the textile sector showing moderate growth and apparel output stabilizing. "Following the exit of several global brands, the market passed its peak of rapid growth, and the vacated niches have been partially filled by new domestic brands," the ministry said.

"State support measures, such as unified leasing subsidies, concessional lending, and a 50% discount on equipment, have worked effectively here. In addition to new Russian brands, labels from non-politicized countries have also entered the market. Since 2020, the share of domestically produced knitwear has risen from 13% to 20%, while sewn garments surged from 8.5% to 31%," Alikhanov concluded.