Foreign Company Exodus from Russia Slows Significantly Amidst Stricter Regulations

The recent analysis by the Vienna Institute for International Studies (wiiw), based on data from the Kyiv School of Economics, reveals a notable slowdown in the exodus of foreign companies from Russia. While the initial years of the conflict saw a significant number of firms depart, the pace has decelerated considerably. This shift is attributed to increasingly stringent regulations imposed by Russia since 2024, which significantly complicate and increase the cost of withdrawal for investors from "unfriendly countries."

“

Od roku 2024 platia v Rusku prísnejšie pravidlá, ktoré zahraničným podnikom - teda investorom z „nepriateľských krajín“, ako ich nazýva Rusko - výrazne sťažili stiahnutie sa z Ruska.

These new rules, such as mandatory discounts of at least 60% on market value and a "voluntary contribution" of 35% to the state budget, alongside presidential approval for large deals, make exiting the Russian market a financially punitive endeavor. Consequently, many companies are opting to limit their activities rather than cease operations entirely.

“

Odchod medzičasom znamená „de facto úplnú stratu realizovaných investícií“, uviedol ekonóm wiiw Vasily Astrov.

The data also highlights disparities among countries, with American and British firms showing higher rates of withdrawal or reduced engagement compared to their Italian, Chinese, and Indian counterparts. This suggests a complex interplay of geopolitical pressures, economic considerations, and differing national approaches to sanctions and market access. The trend underscores Russia's efforts to retain foreign investment and control over its economy, even amidst international sanctions and conflict.

“

Od októbra 2024 ruský štát pri predaji vyžaduje povinnú zľavu vo výške minimálne 60 % z trhovej hodnoty, ktorú stanoví ruský znalec. Okrem toho musí predávajúca spoločnosť odviesť do ruského štátneho rozpočtu „dobrovoľný príspevok“ vo výške 35 % trhovej hodnoty.