MOSCOW (MRC) - The Interdepartmental Commission for International Trade of Ukraine considered the statement of the largest petrochemical plant in Ukraine - Karpatneftekhim about initiating and conducting a special investigation regarding imports to Ukraine regarding imports of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride, as well as caustic soda to Ukraine, reports Uryadovy Kurjer.
The company also requests a reduction in rail transportation tariffs and asks the government to take measures to protect domestic producers.
The publication notes that in accordance with the Law of Ukraine "On the application of special measures regarding imports to Ukraine", the Commission considered the statement of Karpatneftekhim "On the initiation and conduct of a special investigation regarding the import into Ukraine of polymer products regardless of the country of origin and export."
The Commission examined the evidence provided in the statement on the growth of imports of polymer materials into Ukraine and causing significant harm to national producers as a result of such imports. And also took into account the information of the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine on the results of the consideration of the application.
Based on the results of the review, the Commission found that the statement provided sufficient evidence, based on which it can be considered that the import of polymer materials into Ukraine, regardless of the country of origin and export, grew.
In addition, the statement provides sufficient evidence that the import into Ukraine of polymeric materials, regardless of the country of origin and export, was carried out in such volumes and under such conditions that it could cause significant damage to the national producer.
In connection with the above and in accordance with Article 9 of the Law, the Commission adopted a decision dated 21.02.2020 No. SP-440/2020 / 4411-03, according to which it initiated a special investigation regarding the import of goods into Ukraine regardless of the country of origin and export, has the following description: polymeric materials, in particular polyethylene with a specific gravity of 0.94 or more and polyvinyl chloride, not mixed with other substances that can be classified according to UKT FEA according to codes 3901 20 90 00 and 3904 10 00 00.
A special investigation was entrusted to the Ministry of Economy. If the investigation concerns the interests of individuals or legal entities, such persons have the right to send information to the Ministry of Economy that may be useful for the investigation.
Commission Decision of February 21, 2020 No. SP-440/2020 / 4411-03 shall enter into force on the day of publication of this message.
Earlier it was reported that Karpatneftekhim from January 2 stopped the production of low-pressure polyethylene (HDPE) due to the high cost of raw materials, which are not covered by the current world prices of the polymer.
The city council of the Ukrainian city of Kalush, where Karpatneftekhim is based, reviewed and agreed on the text of an appeal to the President of Ukraine, the head of the Verkhovna Rada and the Prime Minister of Ukraine on the situation that has developed at the enterprise.
According to a DataScope survey by Market Report, last year, the total volume of polyethylene imports to the Ukrainian market grew by 10% compared to the year 2018 and amounted to 268.7 thousand tons. The largest increase in external supplies came from low-pressure polyethylene (HDPE). At the same time, according to the results of the first month of the current year, the total volume of imports of polyethylene (PE) on the Ukrainian market decreased by 8% compared to the indicator of 2018 and amounted to 19.4 thousand tons. The largest decline in external supplies was due to linear polyethylene (LLDPE).
Karpatneftekhim is one of the largest enterprises in the petrochemical complex of Ukraine. Currently, the company is capable of annually producing 300 thousand tons of polyvinyl chloride, 200 thousand tons of caustic soda, about 180 thousand tons of chlorine, as well as 250 thousand tons of ethylene and 100 thousand tons of polyethylene.
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