
 
依下文回答第 21 題至第 25 題 
In November 2009, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia agreed to establish a customs union with harmonized import 
tariffs.  The  new  common  tariff  became  effective  on  1  January  2010,  and  internal  border  controls  have  been 
subsequently removed. The common external customs tariff (CET) is mainly based on the Russian duties prevailing at 
the time. However, its introduction resulted in changes to the import tariff structure in each country, predominantly 
upwards, although  a  large number  of  tariffs were also adjusted downwards, in  particular  in  Russia.  Kazakhstan’s 
schedule  underwent  the  most  significant  changes,  which  affected  more  than  half  of  the  tariff  lines.  Since  Russia’s 
earlier tariffs were the  highest  among the three countries,  there have  been significant duty hikes on  a  number  of 
sensitive products in Belarus and Kazakhstan. 
Further integration within the framework of the Common Economic Space is foreseen, with the ultimate goal of 
achieving free movement of goods, capital and labor. New members, notably the Kyrgyz Republic, have been invited 
to join. At the same time, as the common tariff was worked out in the crisis environment of 2009, it was also used in 
part  to  promote  import  substitution  in  certain  areas  through  increases  in  tariffs.  For  example,  industrial  policy 
motivation for changes in tariffs was pronounced in the automotive sector.   
Since the launch of the customs union, trade between the three countries has been growing rapidly. Since 2009, 
overall trade among the three countries increased by over a quarter by the end of 2010, and by two-thirds by the end of 
2011. Trade turnover with the partners in the customs union has increased for each country as well. For instance, 
Kazakhstan’s turnover (export plus import) with Russia and Belarus has grown by almost 80 per cent between 2009 
and 2011. Most of this increase, however, reflected post-crisis recovery trends (trade turnover was only 12 per cent 
higher in 2011 than in 2008). 
21 What is the main purpose of this passage? 
To introduce a customs union among Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. 
To establish harmonized import tariffs for Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. 
To launch a customs union among Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. 
To assess harmonized import tariffs for Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. 
22 According to the passage, which of the following statements would most likely be considered true? 
The new common tariff had the largest impact on Russian tariff lines. 
Due to the new common tariff, there have been duty hikes on some products in Belarus and Kazakhstan. 
The customs union has significantly changed the export tariff structure in Kazakhstan.     
The customs union was not available for other countries except for the Kyrgyz Republic. 
23 Which of the following impacts of harmonized import tariffs is correct? 
The framework of harmonized import tariffs needs not to be further examined.     
Since the launch of harmonized import tariffs, import trade with other countries has increased.     
The introduction of harmonized import tariffs did not affect the customs union as much as anticipated.     
The harmonized import tariffs resulted in the removal of internal border controls among the three countries. 
24 Which of the following statements would the author most likely agree on? 
The common tariffs of the customs union were based on the duties of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. 
The trade turnover of the customs union was higher in the crisis environment of 2009 than that in 2011.     
New members would be invited to join the customs union to achieve the goal of free trade. 
The  measure  of  customs  union  was  not  successful  in  promoting  import  substitution  through  increases  in 
tariffs. 
25 Which of the following can we infer from the passage? 
The customs union was beneficial for overall trade among the three countries as well as each country’s trade 
turnover with their partners. 
Russia’s tariffs became higher after it joined the customs union in 2009 due to the adjustment of duties. 
Kazakhstan’s overall trade increased about 80 per cent between 2009 and 2011. 
The growth of the customs union’s turnover reflected the crisis recovery trends in 2008.