Russia to reduce export duties on several goods on Sept 1 in accordance with WTO obligations
MOSCOW. Aug 7 (Interfax) - Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev signed an order on reducing rates of export customs duties on goods, which are exported from Russia to countries outside of the Customs Union, the Russian government website said.
"Starting 1 September 2015, export customs duty rates shall be reduced for certain types of seafood, seeds, minerals, unprocessed hides and pelts, timber and related goods, precious and semi-precious stones and metals, ferrous-metal waste and scrap, refined copper, copper-based alloys and hardeners, nickel and related goods, aluminum and related goods, non-precious metals' waste and goods," the statement said.
"The resolution was drafted by the Ministry of Economic Development in line with Russia's international commitments and in connection with its accession to the World Trade Organization," the government website said.
In particular, export duties of refined copper and brass alloys were reduced from 40%, but no less than 336 euro per tonne, to 20%, but no less than 168 euro per tonne; nickel matte and nickel oxide agglomerates and other interim products - from 3.75% to 1.25%. For waste and scrap pig iron, the rate was reduced from 12.5% (minimum of 12.5 euro per tonne) to 7.5% (minimum of 7.5 euro per tonne); for waste and scrap lead and zinc - from 26% (but no lower than 91 euro and 156 euro, respectively) to 18% (63 euro and 108 euro), for waste and scrap tin fell from 4.88% to 1.63%. Also the rates were lowered on the export of gold and platinum, including metals coated with them from 4.88% to 1.63%.
The government nullified duties on unprocessed diamonds (earlier the rate was 6.5%), copper cathodes and sections (10%) and unalloyed nickel (3.75%).