Ukraine ready to discuss car import duty losses with partners

Ukraine has for the first time announced the possibility of negotiating compensation with the countries affected by the introduction of an additional duty on imported cars.

This is said in a report of Ukraine's Ministry of Economic Development and Trade on the discussion of Ukraine's issue at a meeting of the WTO Council for Trade in Goods last week, according to Kommersant-Ukraine.

"Given Russia's intention to suspend a number of concessions, the Ukrainian delegation focused its attention on its readiness to achieve mutual understanding with Russia and other interested WTO member countries, which will provide for the payment of compensation with the least negative impact on international trade," the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade said in a statement. However, the report does not specify whether it will be monetary compensation or changes in export and import duties.

It is about a backlash from the U.S. Japan, the EU and other countries over the introduction by Ukraine in April of a three-year special duty on the import of cars with an engine capacity of 1-1.5 liters (6.46%) and 1.5-2.2 liters (12.95%) at the basic rate of duty of 10%.

During the meeting, Japan's representative accused Ukraine of violating WTO rules, while Turkey in June warned that since July 12 it may introduce additional duty on imports of Ukrainian walnut to Turkey. And last week, Russia announced its intention to introduce appropriate additional customs duties on the import of Ukraine's chocolate products, sugar, heat-resistant glass and coal, the newspaper reminds.

Adapted from Ukrinform