The Ministry of Agriculture is working on the introduction of tariff quotas for the import of frozen beef and pork, as well as sugar and raw sugar. The quotas may be introduced in 2022, said Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev at a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
According to the minister, the import quota for frozen beef can be no more than 200 thousand tons, pork – no more than 100 thousand tons. The Ministry of Economy of Russia reported that the subcommittee on customs-tariff and non-tariff regulation, protective measures in foreign trade of the government commission for economic development and integration supported this proposal of the Ministry of Agriculture.
“In particular, it is planned to provide a tariff concession in the form of exemption from import customs duties in 2022 with respect to frozen beef imported into the Russian Federation in the amount of no more than 200 thousand tons. For frozen pork, it is planned to set a quota of no more than 100 thousand tons from January 1 to June 31, 2022. At the same time, the condition for the application of the privilege will be its intended purpose – the processing of meat on the territory of the Russian Federation (by analogy with the current tariff quota for the import of white sugar into the Russian Federation), ”the ministry said in a press release.
Also, Mr. Patrushev said that the Ministry of Agriculture is studying the introduction of tariff quotas for the import of sugar and raw sugar, but sees this as a risk. “To meet domestic demand, the possibility of establishing a tariff quota for the import of sugar and raw sugar next year is also being considered. However, I should note that in case of further price containment, there is a risk of reorientation of sugar beet producers to more profitable crops, including grain and oilseeds, ”he said (quoted by RIA Novosti).
The Ministry of Agriculture proposed to approve an annual quota for duty-free sugar imports in May. The authorities began regulating the market in late 2020, after criticizing the rise in prices by President Vladimir Putin. At the same time, manufacturers and retailers agreed to fix the selling price of sugar at 36 rubles. per 1 kg, retail – 46 rubles. per 1 kg, but the agreement was valid only until June 1.
For more information about quotas on sugar imports, see the article by Kommersant, “There will be no sugar”.
.