Ukraine has requested WTO dispute consultations with Armenia and the Kyrgyz Republic to discuss anti-dumping duties imposed by the two countries on steel pipes from Ukraine. Ukraine’s request was circulated to WTO members on 22 October. Website of the World Trade Organization says.
It is noted that two dumping measures were maintained pursuant to a 2016 sunset review conducted by the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), which prolonged the original measures for 5 years. Then it was reported that the decision was made following a re-anti-dumping investigation. The duties apply to casing, tubing, oil and gas pipes and general purpose pipes from Ukraine.
The measure was first applied in 2011. Then, according to the results of the investigation, antidumping duties for Ukrainian casing pipes were set at 18.9 percent of the customs value, for tubing pipes — at 19.9 percent of the customs value, and for oil pipes, gas pipes and hot-deformed general-purpose pipes with a diameter of up to 820 millimeters in sizes from 19.4 at 37.8 percent of the customs value.
In its statement, Ukraine notes that such measures are incompatible with the various provisions of the WTO anti-dumping agreement and Article 6 of the general agreement on tariffs and trade.
According to WTO rules, the request for consultations officially initiates a dispute at the organization. Consultations give the parties an opportunity to discuss the issue in detail and find an acceptable solution without further litigation. If the parties do not agree within 60 days, the initiator of the dispute may apply for resolution of the issue by the group.
In early October, Kyrgyzstan for the first time received the right to participate in the resolution of trade disputes at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The candidacy of the ex-ambassador and resident representative of Kyrgyzstan in the organization Muktar Jumaliev was approved for the further formation of a panel on settlement of trade disputes.
