Moscow, Kiev to consider Ukrainian import duties on Russian automobiles

This week, the Russian Ministry of Economic Development and Trade intends to discuss with the Ukrainian Ministry of the Economy the question of import duties on Russian automobiles. From this day on, Ukraine will raise these customs duties to the level of 31.7 percent. Kiev has called this step "a warning measure" which it has taken in reply to Russia's limitation on import of Ukrainian metal products.

As a RIA Novosti correspondent was told in the Russian ministry, at the consultations with Ukrainian colleagues it is envisaged to discuss the whole spectrum of bilateral trade relations.

The spokesman for the Russian ministry qualified Kiev's decision on automobile customs duties as contradicting the agreement on free trade which was signed by the two states. The ministry believes, "there are no economic causes for such measures." Apart from that, several Russian producers applied to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, pointing out that the production of automobiles in Ukraine is being subsidised. If the facts of subsidising are proved, the Russian side may take some limiting measures concerning the import of Ukrainian automobiles to Russia, stated the ministry. However, it hopes that in the course of the consultations with the Ukrainian colleagues a mutually acceptable solution will be found.