Ukraine import restrictions threaten Belarus tire makers
22 Jul 2014
ERJ staff report (TP)
Kiev / Minsk – Ukrainian import tariffs on Belarusian goods could affect tire makers if the move goes ahead.
According to Belarus in Focus, Ukraine will introduce special duties on “sensitive exports” on 26 July to persuade Belarus to renounce unilateral restrictions on imports from Ukraine.
Ukraine’s measures include 60.05% of the customs value for beer and tires from Belarus.
Ukraine’s actions followed Belarus introducing six-month “licensing” on beer and confectionery imports as of 1 May and 1 June respectively.
In Belarus, “licensing” has restricted imports of mainly Ukrainian goods – such as beer and chocolate imports.
The action by Ukraine could affect Belarus tire makers – such as Belshina. In H1 2014 Belarus exported tires to Ukraine worth $22 million (€16.3m).
Foreign trade between Ukraine and Belarus remains in surplus, since duties do not concern the “most sensitive” products – petrochemicals.
Belarus in Focus said: “By indicating the size and timeframe for ‘special’ duties, Ukraine signals Belarus to start negotiations on mutual abolition of restrictions, which is currently in Belarus’ interests. Trade wars are not beneficial to either party.”
The decision to impose tariffs was published on 16 July by the Ukrainian Interdepartmental Commission.