2005年-世界发展银行全球_The_Structure_of_Import_Tariffs_in_Russia___2001-2003_56页_746kb

Summary of the Structure of Import Tariffs in Russia: 2001-2003

Core Content

This document provides a detailed analysis of the structure of import tariffs in Russia from 2001 to 2003. It highlights the increasing complexity and diversity of the tariff system, which has not been previously documented due to the lack of detailed data. The authors use a new dataset to calculate ad valorem equivalents of specific tariffs, offering the first comprehensive assessment of Russia's tariff structure.

Main Findings

• Increase in Average Tariff Rates:
  The average Most-Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rate in Russia increased from approximately 11.5% in 2001 to between 13% and 14.5% in 2003. This places Russia's tariffs above the average for middle-income countries and significantly higher than OECD countries.

• Diversification of the Tariff Structure:
  The standard deviation of tariff rates doubled between 2001 and 2003, indicating a more diverse tariff structure. This suggests that some sectors are heavily protected while others face very low tariffs. The rise in "tariff peaks" (tariffs above 20% or 30%) is more pronounced in 2003 than in 2001.

• Sectoral Protection:

  • The food sector and light industry are the most highly protected sectors, with trade-weighted average tariffs exceeding 20%.
  • At the two-digit industry level, meat, sugar, footwear, leather products, and motor vehicles are among the most protected.
  • Some specific product lines, such as used cars, fish, alcohol, and clothing, face tariffs above 100%.

• Specific Tariffs Dominance:
  Russia has increasingly relied on specific tariffs rather than ad valorem tariffs. The number of tariff lines subject to specific tariffs increased from 1,533 in 2001 to 1,735 in 2003. This shift is associated with higher tariff rates, as specific tariffs disproportionately affect lower-priced goods.

• Tariff Peaks and Inefficiencies:
  The use of specific tariffs leads to higher tariff peaks, especially for lower-priced goods. This can distort consumer choices and lead to inefficiencies. The authors emphasize that a more uniform tariff structure is preferable for long-term economic growth.

• Comparison with Other Countries:
  Russia's average tariff is higher than that of many middle-income countries and significantly higher than OECD countries. However, the data used for comparisons may not be fully comparable due to the exclusion of specific tariffs in some studies.

Key Information

• Data Sources:

  • Trade data (values and quantities of imports) were obtained from the Academy-Service electronic database.
  • Tariff data were sourced from the Government Decree #830 on import duties.

• Methodology:

  • The authors calculated MFN tariff rates by taking the maximum of ad valorem and specific tariffs for each line.
  • They also estimated collected tariff rates, which account for zero tariffs on CIS imports.
  • The simple average of tariff rates was used for overall calculations, while weighted averages were not applied due to the potential distortion caused by high tariffs.

• Tariff Line Details:

  • In 2003, 46 tariff lines had rates exceeding 100%, and 167 tariff lines had rates above 50%.
  • At the six-digit level, 58 sectors had tariffs above 50%.
  • The highest tariff peaks were observed in used cars, fish, alcohol, and clothing.

Conclusion

The study reveals that Russia's tariff structure has become more complex and diverse over the period 2001-2003. The increase in average tariff rates is primarily due to the use of specific tariffs, which have not been previously well-documented. The authors caution that a more uniform tariff structure is generally more efficient and beneficial for long-term economic growth, as diverse tariffs can lead to inefficiencies and distort trade patterns. The analysis provides a foundational reference for understanding Russia's trade policy and tariff structure in the context of international trade literature.