The amendments to the Law on the Walnut by which the tax of 1.5% on the export of walnuts, derivative products and walnut wood was annulled came into force on May 9. Such a legislative initiative was put forward following discussions held by members of the Premier’s Economic Council with representatives of walnut exporters, IPN reports.

According to a communiqué of the Government, as a result of these discussions, Prime Minister Iurie Leanca requested the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry and the Ministry of Economy to formulate a bill to amend the legislation so that the tax on the export of walnuts is removed.

The elimination of this tax is expected to lead to a rise in walnut exports, which now total 11,000-13,000 tonnes and represent 2% of the total exports. 90% of the total quantity of walnuts are exported to the EU market.