Australia to apply additional tariff of 35% for all imports from Russia and Belarus

The Australian Government will apply an additional tariff of 35 percent for all imports from Russia and Belarus, Report informs referring to the Australian prime minister’s website.

On April 1, Australia will issue a formal notification withdrawing entitlement to the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) tariff treatment and applying an additional tariff of 35 percent to all imports from Russia and Belarus. This will take effect from April 25 and will be in addition to general duty rates that currently apply.

"This action follows Australia’s joint statement, with other like-minded members of the World Trade Organization, strongly condemning Russia’s actions and committing to take all actions we consider necessary, as WTO members, to protect our essential security interests.

“To support the people of Ukraine, we are providing $65 million in humanitarian assistance, 70,000 tons of thermal coal to support Ukraine’s energy security, as well as temporary protection visas and assistance to Ukrainian community groups in Australia.

"We continue to work with partners to impose the maximum costs on Russia, through targeted sanctions on individuals and entities, the prohibition of energy, oil and gas products from Russia, and a ban on exports of alumina and aluminum ores (including bauxite) to Russia.

"This includes listing more than 500 individuals and entities to date. Our sanctions on Russia make up the largest ever imposition of sanctions by Australia against any single country.

"A prohibition on imports of oil and other energy products will also commence on April 25,” reads the report.