Foreign trade – importing and exporting

Considerations for the investor:

  • All customs clearance procedures are carried through electronically.
  • Common customs tariff duties are applicable to all goods imported into the EU.
  • Large importers may apply for deferred taxation.
  • VAT is not imposed on the import of goods subject to immediate tax warehousing on the condition that the recipient of the imported goods is the keeper of the tax warehouse.
  • No special registration is required for exporters and importers, unless they do not need to use special customs procedures.

In 2008, the export of goods totalled EUR 8 billion and total imports amounted to EUR 11 billion. Estonian foreign trade is mainly based on strong economic ties with Finland, Sweden, and Germany, as well as with other countries.

The main export goods are machinery and equipment, wood and paper products, textiles, food products, and metals and chemical products. Estonia also exports approximately 1.5 billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually. The share of EU countries accounted for 70%, and that of CIS countries for 13% of total exports in 2008.

The main imported goods are machinery and equipment, fuel and other chemical products, textiles, food products, and means of transport. Estonia imports 200 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually. In total imports, the share of EU countries was 80% and that of CIS countries 12% in 2008.

Estonian Exports and Imports by Commodity Groups, 2008

EUR million Exports % of total Imports % of total
Agricultural and food products 769 9% 1,162 11%
Mineral products 1,008 12% 1,743 16%
Raw materials and chemical products 453 5% 869 8%
Plastics and rubber products 265 3% 517 5%
Wood and wood products 723 9% 271 2%
Paper products 252 3% 237 2%
Textiles and products thereof 357 4% 554 5%
Metals and metal products 1,024 12% 1,152 11%
Machinery and equipment 1,846 22% 2,339 22%
Transport equipment 657 8% 1,175 11%
Other 1,099 13% 854 8%
Total 8,454 100% 10,872 100%
Source: Statistical Office of Estonia

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