Russia to extend zero duty on unpacked tea - Econ Min

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia will extend indefinitely a zero tariff on unpacked tea imports, initially set in February for nine months, the Economic Development and Trade Ministry said on Monday.

A ministry spokeswoman said a draft of the resolution had been sent to the government for signing.

In February, Russia scrapped a 5 percent import tariff on unpacked black and green tea for nine months to stimulate domestic packaging and exports.

Under Russian legislation, tariffs are scrapped initially for nine months, after which the government takes a decision whether to drop them indefinitely or not.

Russia is a traditionally tea drinking country, consuming over 170,000 tonnes of tee per year. Its main suppliers are Sri Lanka, India, China, Indonesia, Kenia and Vietnam.