Denis Manturov, who serves as the head of Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, outlined a plan to raise import duties on a range of goods in order to shield domestic industries and support local producers. The remarks were reported by TASS and reflect a broader strategy to recalibrate the country’s trade protections in response to evolving economic conditions and domestic manufacturing goals.
In March 2022, Russia implemented a temporary suspension of customs duties on 1.3 thousand items spanning several critical sectors, including pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, microelectronics, and related industries. This exemption was subsequently extended through the end of March 2023 for 370 specific commodity items. The decision appeared aimed at preserving supply chains, incentivizing local production, and mitigating price volatility during a period of global disruption. (Source: TASS)
Further actions were noted regarding export duties on energy products. A duty was introduced on the export of oil and black oil products from the Russian Federation, effective May 1, with increases of ten cents, raising the level to approximately 14.4 dollars per ton. These adjustments signal a deliberate attempt to influence energy markets and to channel more revenue toward domestic development programs. (Source: government announcements)
Market observers also tracked the pricing dynamics of Ural oil, Russia’s flagship export grade. Between March 15 and April 14, the average price stood at 51.15 dollars per barrel, translating to roughly 373.4 dollars per ton. A month earlier, the price per barrel was 50.8 dollars, indicating a steady, though modest, upward trend that can have downstream effects on export revenues, budget planning, and macroeconomic indicators. (Source: market data reports)
Alongside crude oil policies, the government set export charges on refined and light petroleum products. The tax on light petroleum products and oils is established at 4.2 dollars per ton, and the export duty on commercial gasoline is set at 4.3 dollars per ton. The normal (naphtha) export duty lands at 7.9 dollars per ton. These tariff levels appear designed to balance national energy security, domestic consumption needs, and the revenue requirements of federal programs while keeping some competitiveness in international markets. (Source: policy documentation)