Azarov: Ukraine has not violated WTO principles, raising tariffs on imported cars

The decision of some member states of the World Trade Organization (WTO), particularly, Turkey and Japan, on taking response measures to the increase of imports duties on cars by Ukraine will not bring negative consequences for Ukraine’s trade and economic relations on foreign markets, Ukrainian Premier Mykola Azarov said.

"We haven’t violated any clause, so there are no grounds to apply any sanctions to us, especially safeguards sanctions – they do not exist in the nature. One can discuss this, but if we did everything within the framework of the regulations, the question is what is subject of the dispute?" the Premier said at a press conference after the First National Annual Business Conference ABC: Ukraine & Partners in Kyiv on Friday.

Azarov also reminded that when Ukraine decided to increase imports duties on cars, the European Commission asked to present explanations and Ukraine presented them.

"The issue is settled. We have the right to do so and we’ll do this in the future. We have the right to take the said measures in the conditions when we have problems with the balance of foreign trade," Azarov said.

"As for the possible consequences, I don’t think that there will be any serious consequences for our economy," he said.