Export of Russian food products to the Asia-Pacific countries: aspects of non-tariff regulation

Abstract

At present there are all prerequisites for the development of a comprehensive state-based support of Russian food exporters, due to the favorable conjuncture of the food markets in the Asia-Pacific region with an increase in the volumes of exports of Russia’s agricultural and food products supplied to these markets. One of the important components of such support should be government assistance in overcoming trade barriers. The main obstacles that Russian companies face abroad are nontariff measures, including issues related to certification and bringing the quality of exported food products in line with standards of the import markets. Basing on examples of the APEC economies, the article specifies the application of non-tariff measures in the Asia-Pacific region and provides insight on the current regulation in each one APEC member economy with due attention to the organization of export procedures. The author also provides suggestions on the development of international cooperation with Russia with a view to improving conditions of Russian food products while accessing the food markets of the Asia-Pacific.