The Russian government increased import duties on goods from unfriendly countries

Russian customs duties on a number of goods from unfriendly countries will be increased from January 1, 2025. This was reported on December 31 by the press service of the Ministry of Economic Development with reference to the decision of the Russian government.

"The Government of the Russian Federation has adopted a resolution to increase customs duties on a number of goods imported from unfriendly countries. The changes will come into force on January 1," the statement said.

Duties will increase on certain types of meat and fish products, canned products of vegetables, fruits and nuts, confectionery and flour products, pasta, sauces and soft drinks. The rates will increase on average by 10 percentage points compared to the current 5-20%, specified in the Ministry of Economic Development.

In particular, the duty on beer and cider will increase from €0.1 to €1 per liter, on roasted and instant coffee - from 8% and 7.5%, to 13% and 17.5% respectively, on spark plugs - up to 25% instead of the current 10%. The country coverage of the already imposed increased duties on perfumes and cosmetics from unfriendly countries is also being expanded.

The decision was taken as a response to anti-Russian sanctions, the ministry said. In this case, the nomenclature of goods was selected taking into account the possibility of import substitution of products from unfriendly countries by Russian companies.

It is noted that the measure will help accelerate the development of domestic production and increase investment. At the same time, market competition and a wide range of products will be ensured by maintaining imports at standard duties from friendly and neutral countries.

Earlier, December 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the country would not create special conditions for the return of foreign companies that left the Russian market on their own initiative. The head of state reminded that their activities were not banned, but the vacated niches are actively occupied by companies from other countries and domestic brands.