Russia to coordinate some raw-commodity export duties with EU
MOSCOW. Nov 14 (Interfax) - The Russian government is obliged to engage in consultations with the European Union in the event issues are come up regarding the introduction or raising of export duties on a number of raw commodities not on the list of Russia's obligations in the context of joining the World Trade Organization but which the EU would be interested in importing.
The consultations would take place at least two months before new rates are imposed. The rules are contained in an agreement between Russia and the EU approved by a government resolution of November 3.
The agreement applies to more than six hundred commodities (the list of goods includes grains, a number of nonferrous metals and alloys based on them, iron ore, coal, oil and oil products, liquefied natural gas, gold, precious stones, cellulose, paper, uranium, and other items). The document takes force once Russia becomes a WTO member.
In the draft of Russian letter (the agreement with the EU is done by exchange of letters), it says that the Russian government is making "maximum effort not to introduce or increase export duties on raw commodities" covered by the agreement. On the list are goods not included under Russia's WTO obligations, goods that Russia's world share of the production or export of which is greater than 10%, or the shipment of which "is characterized by instability on the world market."
As reported, Russia has agreed to restrict export duties on more than seven hundred products in its bid for WTO membership. These concern certain fishing industry products, mineral fuels and oils, the tanning industry, wood, cellulose, and nonferrous metals.