Ukraine rejects export duty reduction

The Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) has turned down a bill that would have reduced export duties on cattle and livestock products, according to the Interfax news agency. The decision is significant as the bill is among a number that Ukraine must pass in order to join the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The bill envisaged zero duty on exports of cattle and a duty of 15% on exports of leather products. These rates were supposed to come into effect at the start of next year. Ukraine's State Statistics Committee reports that the number of livestock on farms in Ukraine on September 1 this year was 7.33 million, 6.4% fewer than on the same date in 2004. Ukraine exported leather and leather products worth US$128 million in the first eight months of this year, a year-on-year fall of 2%. Imports of the same types of commodities in the January to August period were '1.5 times higher' at US$72.6 million. Manufacturers of leather and leather products in Ukraine recorded sales worth US$138 million in the first nine months of this year.