SEAPORT SEZS IN RUSSIA'S AGROLOGISTICS SYSTEM: INSTITUTIONAL BARRIERS AND DIRECTIONS FOR LEGISLATIVE REFORM

DOI 10.32651/267-20

Issue № 7, 2026, article № 3, pages 20-26

Section: Problems of efficient management

Language: Russian

Original language title: ПОРТОВЫЕ ОЭЗ В СИСТЕМЕ АГРОЛОГИСТИКИ РОССИИ: ИНСТИТУЦИОНАЛЬНЫЕ БАРЬЕРЫ И НАПРАВЛЕНИЯ РЕФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ЗАКОНОДАТЕЛЬСТВА

Keywords: SEAPORT SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE, ULYANOVSK SEAPORT SEZ, AGROLOGISTICS, AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS, INSTITUTIONAL BARRIERS, FREE CUSTOMS ZONE, INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS, FOOD SECURITY

Abstract: The article analyzes institutional barriers hindering the development of seaport special economic zones (SEZs) in the Russian Federation, with a focus on their role in the export logistics of agricultural products (agrologistics). Using the example of the Ulyanovsk seaport SEZ, recognized as efficient but actually functioning as an industrial site, systemic restrictions enshrined in Federal Law No. 116-FZ and the EAEU Customs Code are identified: the requirement to extend the free customs zone regime to the entire territory, a narrow list of permitted activities, a ban on non-resident activity, and mandatory large security for customs payments. It is substantiated that these restrictions reduce the investment attractiveness of seaport SEZs, hinder flexible infrastructure management, and create excessive financial burdens on residents engaged in transshipment and storage of agricultural goods. The dynamics of export shipments of Russian agricultural products through the Ulyanovsk seaport SEZ to the People's Republic of China in 2024–2026 (growth from 1460 to 3588 tons) is shown, which confirms the demand for seaport zones as logistics hubs for agricultural exports, but at the same time reveals the inconsistency of the legal regime with the real needs of the agro-industrial complex (AIC). Four initiatives for legislative changes are formulated: permitting the creation of customs control zones on part of the territory, legalizing sublease between residents, allowing non-residents to enter the territory for service functions, and abolishing (or reducing) requirements for securing customs duties. The implementation of the proposed measures will reduce logistics costs in agricultural exports, improve infrastructure efficiency, and strengthen Russia's position in global agrifood markets. The article is intended for specialists in agricultural economics, foreign trade activities, and state regulation of the AIC.

Authors: Lavrova Elena Evgenevna, Treskova Tatiana Viktorovna, IAshina Marina Lvovna, Nuretdinov Ildar Gabbasovich