Possibility of Reduction or Elimination of Customs Tariffs on Iranian Agricultural Products by Russia

On Wednesday, December 15, the Russian Minister of Economic Development, Alexei Ulyukayev, after meeting with Iran's Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade, Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, stated that Russia may reduce or completely eliminate import tariffs on Iranian agricultural products. According to TASS news agency, the meeting took place on the sidelines of the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi. The Russian Minister of Economic Development said, 'We have proposed good measures to develop trade with Iran, which means reducing tariffs on some goods and completely eliminating them in others, especially agricultural products like fruits and vegetables.' He added, 'Many Iranian companies are eager to expand trade with Russia. This cooperation and customs privileges could include many agricultural products, poultry, fish, and dairy products.' The Russian Minister emphasized, 'Of course, this issue ultimately falls under the jurisdiction of the Eurasian Economic Commission, but we are currently examining it.' He noted that Russia could set lower customs tariffs for Iranian products and even eliminate them in some cases. He added that both sides are discussing preferential terms for imports from Iran. The Russian Minister stated, 'Next week, Igor Shuvalov, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, will visit Tehran, and the two countries will sign an agreement related to the development of investment between the two sides, which was approved by the Russian government last week. This is an important step as it will increase the level of investment between the two countries compared to the past.' He also mentioned that a special group is currently examining the possibility of establishing a free trade area with Iran. The Russian Minister said, 'It is still too early to comment on the conditions. Currently, our discussions focus on determining the terms and preferential tariffs for imports from Iran, meaning that establishing a free trade area could be the ultimate goal of these negotiations.' According to Mr. Ulyukayev, the so-called 'wheat-for-oil deal' was not raised in this meeting.