The European Commission (EC) has announced new quantities for steel exports from Russia and Ukraine. On November 3, 2005, the EC and Russia signed an agreement regarding steel quantities to be exported from Russia to the EC. A similar agreement between the EC and Ukraine was signed on July 29, 2005. In line with the agreement signed with Russia, the unused quantities for a given year may be carried over to the following year up to a maximum of 7 percent of the relative quantitative limit set out in the agreement. On the other hand, in line with the agreement signed with Ukraine, the unused quantities for a given year may be carried over to the following year up to a maximum of 10 percent of the relative quantitative limit set out in the agreement. Moreover, pursuant to the agreement with Russia, transfers between product groups may be made up to 7 percent of the quantitative limit of a given product group and transfers between product categories are permitted up to a maximum of 25,000 mts. On the other hand, pursuant to the agreement with Ukraine, transfers between product groups may be made up to 15 percent of the quantitative limit of a given product group. Russia and Ukraine have separately notified the EC of their intent to make use of the provisions in these agreements. The EC decided that making the necessary adjustments to the quantitative limits for the year 2006 resulting from Russia's and Ukraine's requests is appropriate. Accordingly, the quotas for 2006 are revised as follows:
Products Russia (mt) Ukraine (mt) SA. Flat rolled SA1. Coils 995,554 168,750 SA2. Heavy plate 201,025 364,320 SA3. Other flat rolled 462,118 109,125 SA4. Alloyed products 103,015 SA5. Alloyed quarto plates 22,010 SA6. Alloyed CR and coated sheets 109,604 SB. Long products SB1. Beams 50,373 32,639 SB2. Wire Rod 195,080 138,592 SB3. Other long products 289,151 251,554The regulation regarding the revised quotas will enter into force 10 days later.