New customs duties on shoes: whose interests do officials protect?
23.11.2011 3234

New customs duties on shoes: whose interests do officials protect?

On November 21, 2011, at a meeting of the subcommittee on protective measures in foreign trade and customs and tariff policy, chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov, it was decided to increase the Euro component from 1,8 euros / pair to 2,5 euros / pair in relation to Import duties on certain types of leather shoes.
 
Thus, at the December meeting of the Customs Union commission, 3 different points of view will be presented: the Republic of Belarus proposes to close the market for imports - 20%, but not less than 2,7 EUR / pair, the Republic of Kazakhstan - against tariff changes, Russian officials - in spite of economic realities the market made their decision. Realizing how grave the consequences of increased customs duties may be for consumers and legal market players, the National Shoe Union intends to seek a revision of the decision.
 
Even before the official discussion of the issue by the Russian side, the National Shoe Union, as well as Russian retailers and importers of footwear, opposed the increase in customs duties. In particular, experts noted that such a decision would result in a significant increase in prices for consumers and an increase in the share of the shadow footwear market, which today is about 40%. At the same time, as practice shows, the protective measures do not stimulate Russian footwear manufacturers. So, since 1996, the volume of production of leather footwear has practically not grown and today, together with the state order, is only 3% of the volume of consumption. “At the same time, the range of manufactured products is very scarce and amounts to 10% of the consumed by the population. There is no production of model, heeled women's shoes, modern sports shoes, ”notes Natalya Demidova, Director General of the National Shoe Union.

An increase in the duty on cheap shoes will lead to higher retail prices and an even greater financial burden on low-income people who will be forced to return to clothing markets. Small and medium-sized businesses operating in this segment will suffer.
 
“At present, the average Russian, who has a lower income than the European, is forced to buy shoes at a higher price. But, apparently, this is not enough for officials, ”says Natalya Demidova. "The proposed measure will not lead to an increase in the production of domestic products, but will cause a new wave of corruption, smuggling, and reduce tax revenues to the budget."
 
In connection with the decision of the subcommittee, the National Shoe Union plans to hold a round table in early December with the participation of leading economists and representatives of the shoe business. During the meeting, the place of Russia in the global footwear business will be discussed following the results of the World Footwear Congress and a consolidated position will be developed on the issue of effective measures for the development of the Russian footwear market as a whole.

November 21, 2011 at a meeting of the subcommittee on protective measures in foreign trade and customs and tariff policy, chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov, it was decided ...
5
1
Rating

Latest News

Clot x Adidas Collaboration Continues

In June of this year, Adidas and Asian streetwear brand Clot collaborated to release a radically updated version of the Superstar sneakers. The sports shoes were practically transformed into brogues and came out in black and white colorways. Now…
09.10.2024 124

Shanghai Fashion Week starts today

Dozens of local brands, as well as major global brands such as Vivienne Westwood and Moncler, will take part in the events of Shanghai Fashion Week. The fashion week will last 12…
09.10.2024 1098

The most spectacular shoes and accessories are in the new Dries Van Noten collection

The new Dries Van Noten collection, created for the spring-summer '25 season, oddly enough, is very much in harmony with the beginning of golden autumn, the most beautiful and colour-rich season of the year. In it, bright accessories are paired with very effective…
08.10.2024 1143

Adidas Releases Sneakers for Bob Marley Fans

Bob Marley was known to wear Adidas, and now Marley fans will have the opportunity to wear a pair of sneakers that feature the signature and image of the all-time reggae guru and…
08.10.2024 1112

Y/Project is in bankruptcy and is looking for a buyer

On September 26, Y/Project was placed into receivership. The Parisian women's and men's wear and footwear brand, known for its innovative designs, had until recently attracted a huge following during its shows…
07.10.2024 1196
When you sign up, you will receive weekly news and articles about the shoe business on your e-mail.

To the beginning