Russia will cancel a five-percent import duty on cement as of January 1, 2008, the federal antimonopoly service said on Friday with reference to the government’s statement.  
 
The federal antimonopoly service believes that this step will expand borders of this market. The scrapping of cement import duties will open opportunities for buying cement beyond Russia, mainly in China and Turkey.  
 
The cancellation of duties will expand competition on the country’s cement market, liquidate deficit and reduce prices.  
 
According to the service, this measure will speed up the implementation of the national project on affordable and comfortable housing.