It’s not just the American automotive industry that is facing difficulties these days: the Russian automotive industry is struggling, too. I know, I know. You’re thinking “the Russians have an automotive industry?” It’s no Big 3 (which is perhaps a good thing lately) but it exists. Just barely.
To protect the industry, the Russian government has slapped an increased duty on imported vehicles. It is not a popular tax. As prices soar for what are considered substandard vehicles, Russians have sought out second-hand imports, primarily from neighboring Japan.
This week, a protest against the increased tax in the port city of Vladivostak boasted at least 500 protesters. At least 100 Russian protesters were subsequently detained by police. The arrests won’t stop protestors who are planning more demonstrations in the coming weeks.
An organized tax protest over taxing imports? How very 1773 America of them.
