Moldovan government introduces import duties on Ukrainian milk, meat, cement

Chisinau, 27 April /MOLDPRES/-Moldova has temporarily introduced import duties on milk, dairy products, meat and cement from Ukraine, setting up quotas on the import of these products. A decision approved by the government today provides for customs duties in the trade regime with the countries of the Community of Independent States until 31 December 2016.

By introducing customs duties, Moldovan authorities are trying to protect the internal market from massive imports of Ukrainian milk and dairy products. According to the Economics Ministry, the amount of dairy products imported from Ukraine registered a significant growth in 2015. The import of sour milk, curdled milk, sour cream, yogurt and kefir increased 1.5 times, while the import of cheese and sausages and similar products grew by 33 per cent and 14 times respectively.

Russia put an embargo on the import of all types of Ukrainian imports. As a result, Ukrainian exporters redirected their products towards other markets, especially towards Moldova.

According to the decision approved by the cabinet today, a ten or a 15-per-cent duty will be introduced on the import of milk, dairy products, meat and cement from Ukraine.

The draft was carried out after Moldovan milk and meat producers complained of unfair competitiveness.

(Reported V. Bercu, Editor L. Alcaza)