Vietnam cuts tariffs but not on eggs

Vietnam will reportedly slash import taxes under its commitment to enter into the World Trade Organisation (WTO), but will maintain quota tariffs on egg imports.

Vietnam, scheduled to become a WTO member today, will lower the average import tax of all tariff lines from the current 17.4 percent to 13.4 percent over the coming 5-7 years.

Products getting the biggest tax reductions include garments, textiles, fishes and related products, wood, paper, some types of manufactured goods, machines, and electrical and electronic equipment.

Eggs, which are not one of the products getting tariff cuts, will maintain their current tariff of 40 percent. If import volumes exceed the quota, tariffs will be higher. Sugar, tobacco and salt will also keep their current quotas and tariffs.

The average import tariff levied on farm produce is to decrease from the current 23.5 percent to 20.9 percent within five years.

Vietnam has pledged to abolish agricultural export subsidies.

The WTO's General Council will formally approve the accession terms for Vietnam today, and the country will officially become the organisation's 150th member 30 days after the National Assembly approves the accession agreement.

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Editor WorldPoultry