Russia's recycling tax exceeds Trump's tariffs, expert says

The increase in recycling fees is ultimately paid by the end consumer, which does little to promote economic development.

Sinologist Sergei Tsyplakov stated this at a press conference on the topic "Russia and China: Regional Interests," reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.

"We're afraid that Chinese goods will crush the Russian economy, and we need to protect that. Well, you've already protected it. You introduced a recycling fee , which means you've outdone Trump and his tariffs."

Starting in September, I understand they're planning to introduce roughly the same measures for electrical equipment . I don't know how much these protectionist measures will contribute to the growth of domestic production.

"In any case, in the short term, they won't produce positive results under any circumstances. However, increasing these fees is nothing more than an indirect tax that ultimately forms part of the price of goods and is paid to end consumers, whether they are ordinary citizens, businesses, or enterprises," Tsyplakov said.

"I'm quite optimistic about economic cooperation with China. However, the timing of the Power of Siberia 2 project is not a matter of tomorrow. The sanctions remain in place. But overall, both sides have somehow managed to adapt to the sanctions—I mean the difficulties with payment transactions.

Regarding investment cooperation, I'm rather pessimistic. I don't think that under the current circumstances, Chinese companies will expand investment cooperation.

The only exceptions might be large government projects and quasi-intergovernmental agreements, which is what China has always been striving for,” the sinologist added.