Putin Says Russia Will Gradually Increase Car Import Tariffs

Xinhua News reported on August 31 that according to "Russia -24" TV station reported on the 30th, Putin said in an interview with the TV station that Russia will gradually increase foreign auto import tariffs to protect the domestic auto industry and stimulate foreign auto makers in Russia. Build factories in the country.

Putin said in a talk show on the same day that Russia will temporarily not adjust tariffs, but will give a timetable, and gradually increase the automobile import tariffs according to this schedule. The government will first increase the import tariffs on used cars, and then increase the import tariffs on new cars. He stressed that Russia is not a member of the WTO and therefore has the full power to do so.

Putin said that foreign companies should understand that Russia will take all measures to protect its auto industry, but the Russian government will not interfere with foreign automakers' business in Russia and will invite them to carry out production in Russia.

He said that he hopes that foreign automobile manufacturers will transfer technology, increase labor productivity, and increase the level of technical training for Russian professionals. "These contents will be written into the contract signed between the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade and foreign producers."

After the outbreak of the global financial crisis, the Russian automobile market has shrunk dramatically. In order to protect the interests of domestic auto companies, the Russian government has raised the import tariffs on vehicles and used cars since January 2009. The import tax rate on new cars has increased from 25% to 30%, and the import tax on used cars has increased from 25% to 35%.