Protectionist barriers in foreign markets

Abstract

The article analyzes trade policy of the countries where the markets consume the overwhelming part of domestic export products. The tariffs in these export markets are not prohibitive, and the substantial part of imported products are duty-free or subject to low duties. It is noted that Russian manufacturers experience the so called collective protectionist attitude in the main export markets - preferential policies towards the countries having regional trade agreements with the major importers of Russian products. Non-tariff restrictive measures against Russian exporters have considerably increased for the last five years. The estimates show that domestic manufacturers have suffered losses due to these measures. It is concluded that national governments will continue protecting their markets with tariffs, in particular, against imports from Russia, and might expand application of non-tariff measures.