MOSCOW, 26 May 2022. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the findings of a survey on public expecations of import sustitution in different Russian economies. The study is commissioned by the Social Research Expert Institute (EISI)).
Seventy percent of Russians do not expect any shortage of goods and products in Russia; 28% are likely to express disquiet. A vast majority of Russians consider that the Russian companies will be able to replace the foreign ones in the domestic market (69%); 27% oppose them.
An overwhelming majority of Russians believe that the Russian manufacturers will be able to replace the foreign companies in areas such as foods (94%), hygiene (91%), detergents (90%), construction and finishing (86%). Import substitution is seen as less possible in pharmaceuticals (69% say replacement is possible; 24% oppose them), aviation (66% vs 22%), and industrial machinery (63% vs 29%).
Almost half of Russians believe that the domestic manufacturers will likely replace the medical equipment (55%); one-third think it is impossible (34%). Half of respondents say that imported appliances and electronics can be successfully replaced (54%); 37% oppose them. Respondents are divided in their opinions about cars and car parts: 50% believe that the Russian companies will replace the foreign ones; 40% do not think so.
When choosing between the Russian products and the foreign ones at a similar price most of respondents will likely buy the Russian ones (67%) than the imported ones (18%). As to the quality, 56% opt for the domestically produced products, whereas 22% consider the imported goods to be higher quality.
Russian nationwide telephone survey was commissioned by the Social Research Expert Institute (EISI) and conducted on May 24, 2022. A total of 1,600 Russians aged 18 and over took part in the survey. Survey method: telephone interviews using a stratified random sample based on a complete list of Russian mobile phone numbers. The data were weighted according to social and demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes to the wording of questions and different circumstances arising during the fieldwork can introduce bias into the survey.
People have different views regarding economic hardships that might happen in the country. Are you personally afraid or not afraid of mass shortage of goods in Russia?(closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | |
| Total respondents |
Likely afraid | 28 |
Unlikely afraid | 70 |
Don’t know | 2 |
In your opinion, will the Russian companies be able to replace the foreign companies which have withdrawn from the Russian market, or not? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | |
| Total respondents |
They will be able to replace almost all the foreign companies | 19 |
They will be able to replace most of the foreign companies | 50 |
They will be able to replace least of the foreign companies | 21 |
They will not be able to replace them | 6 |
Don’t know | 4 |
Now I’m going to read out a list of products and goods. In your opinion, will the Russian manufacturers be able to replace the imported goods and components in the following areas, or not? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents in each line) | |||
| Likely yes | Likely no | Don’t know |
Foods | 94 | 4 | 2 |
Hygiene products | 91 | 7 | 2 |
Household detergents | 90 | 7 | 3 |
Construction and finishing materials | 86 | 9 | 5 |
Medicines | 69 | 24 | 7 |
Aircrafts, plane parts | 66 | 22 | 12 |
Industrial machinery (tools and fabrication equipment, etc.) | 63 | 29 | 8 |
Medical equipment | 55 | 34 | 11 |
Domestic appliances and electronic | 54 | 37 | 9 |
Cars and car parts | 50 | 40 | 10 |
Imagine there are two similar items with almost the same price lying on the shelf. One of them is domestically produced, the other one is imported. Which one are you more likely to buy? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | |
| Total respondents |
Likely the domestically produced item | 67 |
Likely the imported item | 18 |
Don’t know | 15 |
In your opinion, which products have a better quality: domestic or imported? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | |
Likely domestic products | 56 |
Likely imported products | 22 |
Don’t know | 22 |