Russian Federation: Tree Nuts. Nuts and Sesame Seeds' Import Duties Lifted, 2007. GAIN Report Number RS7088

摘要

The Russian Government issued Resolution No. 756 on November 6, 2007 to eliminate tariffs on products important to Russias rapidly growing confectionary and snack industry, such as shelled cashew and hazel nuts, almonds, and sesame seeds. The previous duty-free tax regime expired on November 25, 2007, but imports of these nuts and seeds increased from 11,630 metric tons in January-June 2006 to 17,688 metric tons in the same period in 2007; imports of U.S. almonds increased from 3,766 metric tons to 6,444 metric tons. The new resolution supports Russian government policy to reduce or eliminate duties on agricultural and food products that do not compete with Russias domestic producers. The Resolution enters into force on December 10, 2007.