Azerbaijan.US
Azerbaijan has introduced temporary additional customs fees on imported rebar and glass sheets, raising questions about their impact on construction costs and the wider real estate market.
Under a government decision, importers already paying 15 percent of customs value or a minimum of $200 per ton for rebar will now face an additional 150 manats per ton. Similar temporary fees apply to imported glass products. The measures will remain in force until June 30, 2026.
Despite expectations of immediate price growth, retail prices have so far remained stable. Rebar is currently sold at 90-95 gapiks per meter, largely because most products on sale were imported before the new fees took effect.
Market participants say the situation may change soon. According to traders, the additional cost of 150 manats per ton is likely to translate into a price increase of 5-10 gapiks per meter once new shipments enter the market. Many estimate that price adjustments are highly likely in the coming weeks.
Economists note that the new fees are designed to protect domestic producers rather than restrict imports entirely. Such measures typically serve three purposes: generating budget revenue, supporting local manufacturing, and steering demand toward domestically produced materials.
While the full impact has yet to be felt, builders and developers are closely watching whether higher material costs will begin feeding into housing and infrastructure prices later this year.
