Semi-trailers will be subject to differentiation of salvage compensation compensations

The Ministry of Industry and Trade wants to extend the mechanism for paying compensation for salvage fees to trailers, depending on the level of localization. Now such a scheme operates in the automotive industry. It is assumed that in 2023, with a localization level of over 30%, manufacturers are guaranteed to receive at least 80% of compensation, and from next year – only 60%. Full compensation will be possible with localization at the level of 50%. A number of industry participants indicate that it is now difficult to achieve localization above 35%, including due to problems with the production of Russian axles, and the mechanism in its current form will not facilitate purchases from Russian suppliers.

“Kommersant” got acquainted with the draft amendments to government decree No. 31 dated January 15, 2014, which establishes the procedure for compensating Russian producers for waste collection in the form of industrial subsidies. Now trailers are included in the document, compensation for which will be differentiated depending on the level of localization.

It is assumed that for subsidies, which are equivalent to the size of the waste collection and amount to 600 thousand rubles. for a trailer, manufacturers whose localization is above 30% can apply. If the level of localization lies in the range from 30% to 50%, then in 2023 such a manufacturer will be able to receive 80% of the subsidy, and from 2024 – only 60%. To receive full compensation, localization of 50% is enough until 2025, later the bar will be raised to 60–70%.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade told Kommersant that in order to stimulate domestic enterprises, the amount of the subsidy provided will be proportional to the level of localization achieved. At the same time, the proposed levels are lower than now, in the 719th resolution for admission to public procurement and state support: from 2022 – 50%, from 2024 – 70%, and from 2026 – 80%. The project was coordinated at the interdepartmental level together with the industry community, the ministry added.

The association “Spetsavtoprom” indicates that it is difficult to achieve localization of certain types of trailers (curtain, refrigerators and isothermal trailers, dump trucks, etc.) above 35%. This is due to the absence or an extremely insufficient number of domestic components for brake systems, hydraulics, refrigeration units, curtain mechanisms, pumps and compressors. A significant amount of points is given, for example, by the localization of axial units, says the general director of the association, Denis Kudryavtsev. At the same time, about 55% of the Russian market of axle units in 2022 was made up of manufacturers from Europe, China, Turkey and Iran. The rest was produced by Russian companies, including 9 thousand – BPV-Ost LLC, another 25 thousand – manufacturers of trailers (Tonar, ChP Sespel, Nefaz, Uralavtopritsep), who used these axles mostly for their own use. Mr. Kudryavtsev notes that several enterprises have plans to localize axle units or expand their production. Including BPV-Ost plans to reach the volume of 1.6 thousand units per month from February 2024. “The market just needs to be given time, and it will adjust itself, so it is necessary to leave a guarantee for at least 80% compensation for at least the next year when localization reaches more than 30%,” he believes. “In addition to the axes, there are difficulties in other components, and If differentiation is not changed, manufacturers may, on the contrary, consider that it is more profitable for them to buy abroad.” Mr. Kudryavtsev draws attention to the fact that Russian axles cost about 150 thousand rubles, which is twice as expensive as Chinese ones.

Tonar CEO Denis Krivtsov believes that the system of differentiation of industrial subsidies implies a smooth transition to achieving full localization, and the idea has been discussed with the industry since November 2022. “In fact, back in 2015, when the 719th resolution on localization appeared, they made it clear to us that it was necessary to invest, including in the production of axles,” he continues. “Both we and a number of other manufacturers have invested and can supply certain volumes to the market. Now Tonar products are gaining about 60% of localization, but next year we expect to reach 70%”.

Dmitry Babansky from SBS Consulting notes that there was a problem with the availability of domestic axle units, but “it can be solved by the forces of Russian manufacturers – it will only take time.”

Olga Nikitina