Ukraine introduces unilateral protectionist measures against Russian products

Ukraine is unilaterally introducing protectionist measures against Russian products. Thus, it has extended the special 41-per cent duty on Russian cement imports till October 10th. The decision was taken at the session of the Ukrainian inter-departmental committee on foreign trade.

The duty was imposed by Ukraine in March, 2002, on cement produced in Russia. As to the special investigation of Russian cement imports to Ukraine, Kiev started it in December 2001. According to Ukrtsement, Russian cement is imported in the republic in large quantities. In 2000 import grew by 650 per cent as compared with 1998.

Earlier, Ukraine introduced a 31-per cent duty on imports of Russian cars, despite the fact that the country itself does not produce cars of a similar class.