12:06 05.12.2012

Ukraine hopes for understanding from WTO members on issue of tariff revisions, says Azarov

2 min read
Ukraine hopes for understanding from WTO members on issue of tariff revisions, says Azarov

Ukraine hopes for understanding from members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the issue of a revision of tariffs, as it will relate only to 3% of goods in the customs tariff, Acting Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov has said.

"We hope for understanding from WTO members on the issue of modifications related to tariff concessions for Ukraine. It is related to only certain goods, which make up only 3% of the general number of goods in the customs tariff. We want to protect the Ukrainian market more, so as to give domestic producers a chance in this difficult time of global crisis, and we have every right to this," he said at a meeting of the government on Wednesday.

According to Azarov, Ukraine wants better tariffs on meat and by-products of beef, pork, and poultry, sausages, as well as flowers, fruit and vegetables, household appliances, agricultural machinery, cars, and furniture.

"Everything is being done in accordance with the current regulations of the WTO, via talks and consultations with interested countries, and this does not mean that the current import duties will automatically rise. Turkey, Canada, Brazil, Australia, and almost all countries of the G20 can increase their tariffs under the current rules of the WTO, for example, [tariffs on] farming products from 10-15% to 11-150%. Are we any worse?" Azarov said.

As reported, on November 22 Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said that Ukraine is negotiating with the WTO on the possible revision of the terms of the country's accession to the organization.

On November 26, WTO member states called on Ukraine to call off its request to revise its tariffs. A relevant statement was approved at a meeting of the Council for Trade in Goods.

Ukraine joined the WTO on May 16, 2008 and became the 152nd member of the organization.

AD
AD
AD
AD
AD