Customs Union cancels taxes for Ukrainian pipes

Ukraine and the Customs Union of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus have agreed on duty free exports of carbon steel and stainless steel pipes until the end of the year from Ukraine to the countries in the customs union. The largest Ukrainian producers of steel pipes (Interpipe) and stainless steel pipes (Centravis) will be able to export their material to the countries in question free of duty. From October 1 to December 31, the quota is 65,000 mt for Russia, 18,000 mt for Belarus, and 14,000mt for Kazakhstan. For other manufacturers, the taxes are at 19.4-37.8 percent till 2015. Contracts for the supply of pipes in 2012 should be concluded in the coming three months. It is expected that the quota will be set based on the annual volume of deliveries in the past