Full Breakdown
Continued Import of Michelin Aviation Tyres to Russia Despite Sanctions
12/31/2025, 12:44:40 AM
Ongoing Trade Despite Sanctions
Despite international sanctions aimed at halting the trade of civilian and aviation tyres to Russia, recent customs records indicate that the country has continued to import Michelin aviation tyres through intermediary companies. An analysis by the Economic Security Council of Ukraine reveals that between October 2024 and March 2025, Russia received 2,687 Michelin tyres valued at over $7 million. This follows a report from September 2024, which highlighted that shipments worth $28 million had been received in 2023, even after Michelin ceased all exports to Russia in March 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.
Role of Intermediaries
The analysis suggests that these imports were facilitated by various intermediaries, including firms based in Turkey, Spain, Saudi Arabia, India, and a UK-based company named General Trade Solutions (UK), which is not registered with the UK’s Companies House. The largest importer of Michelin tyres in 2024 was Melaris LLC, identified as a supplier to the Russian military-industrial complex. Michelin has stated that it is committed to complying with all applicable sanctions and has implemented internal processes to monitor and prevent the diversion of its products.
Official Statements & Responses
A Michelin spokesperson emphasized the company's commitment to compliance with sanctions, asserting that none of the tyres exported to Russia were intended for military use. The spokesperson also noted that the company has strengthened its compliance program to mitigate diversion risks. However, they expressed caution regarding the accuracy of the data provided in reports, highlighting the potential for counterfeiting and false declarations.
Criticism of Michelin's Compliance Measures
Roman Steblivskyi, a policy expert with the Economic Security Council of Ukraine, criticized Michelin for not taking a more proactive stance in preventing the re-export of its products to Russia. He pointed out that Russian aviation, both civilian and military, remains reliant on Western aviation tyres due to their superior quality. Steblivskyi raised concerns about the adequacy of Michelin's due-diligence standards in light of the geopolitical landscape and the risks associated with sanctions evasion.
Legal Framework and Responsibilities
Under France's duty of care law, large companies are required to develop and publish plans to identify and mitigate risks related to human rights and environmental impacts across their operations and supply chains. While Michelin's spokesperson acknowledged that export control and sanctions risks are not explicitly mandated by French legislation, they affirmed that the company has consistently reviewed and enhanced its compliance policies to address these risks.
What's Next
As the situation evolves, scrutiny of Michelin's compliance with sanctions and its role in the ongoing trade of aviation tyres to Russia is likely to increase. Stakeholders are calling for greater accountability and proactive measures from the company to ensure that its products do not contribute to the military capabilities of authoritarian regimes.
