Customs Records Suggest Michelin Aviation Tyres Still Reaching Russia via Intermediaries

Customs records suggest that Russia aviation tyre imports from the French manufacturer Michelin have continued. This trade occurs despite international sanctions and the company's stated efforts to stop it. The critical components are reportedly reaching Russia through a network of intermediary companies.

Continued Shipments Despite Controls

New data indicates that sales have persisted, though in reduced numbers. The figures emerge despite Michelin adapting its systems to monitor product diversion. Between October 2024 and March 2025, Russia received 2,687 Michelin aviation tyres.

These shipments were valued at more than $7 million (£5.2 million). This analysis comes from records reviewed by the Economic Security Council of Ukraine. The new figures follow earlier reports of $28 million in Michelin tyre shipments in 2023. The French firm ceased all direct exports to Russia in March 2022.

Russia's aviation sector remains critically dependent on foreign-made tyres. Domestic manufacturing capacity is still in its early stages.

The Intermediary Network

Analysis of 2024 data suggests sales were facilitated by various intermediary companies Russia. None of these firms are direct clients of the manufacturer. Deliveries reportedly originated from companies based in several countries. These include Turkey, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and India.

One firm was named as General Trade Solutions (UK). However, no company with that exact name is registered with the UK's Companies House. The largest Russian importer in 2024 was Melaris LLC. This entity is a known supplier to the Russian military-industrial complex.

Michelin's Compliance and Response

Michelin maintains it is committed to scrupulously complying with all applicable sanctions. The company has established dedicated internal processes to ensure this compliance. A spokesperson noted that the compliance program's adaptation has significantly reduced circumvention instances.

• The company states no tyres seemingly exported were for military use.
• It has strengthened its compliance program to mitigate diversion risk.
• Michelin highlights the risk of counterfeiting and false declarations.
• The Global aviation supply chain is complex, involving multiple distributors and resellers.

Industry and Regulatory Scrutiny

Experts argue that the continued flow of Western aircraft parts Russia highlights a gap in corporate due diligence. Roman Steblivskyi, a policy expert with the Economic Security Council of Ukraine, stressed this point. He noted that Russian aviation, both civilian and military, relies on Western tyre quality. Steblivskyi urged Michelin to take a more proactive approach in preventing illicit re-export.

French duty of care (vigilance) law requires large companies to mitigate risks across their supply chains. Michelin stated that export control and sanctions risks are not explicitly required by this law. However, the company confirmed it has implemented and strengthened its export control and sanctions compliance policy. This is to address sanctions evasion risk and diversion.

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