Trade defence: EU publishes a report on market distortions in Russia

Today, the Commission published a report on significant government-induced distortions in the economy of Russia. The factual report prepared for the purpose of the EU’s trade defence proceedings focuses on Russia’s macro-economy, the main production factors, such as labour and energy, as well as certain specific sectors of the economy, including steel, aluminium and chemicals. Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade, said: “This report is the result of thorough research and provides fact-based evidence regarding aspects of the Russian economy that may be relevant in our anti-dumping investigations. Protecting our industries from unfair trade is crucial in the current international environment. Our anti-dumping legislation equips us with trade defence instruments fit for current challenges, while fully respecting our commitments under the World Trade Organization. Today’s report is an additional instrument in our toolbox to combat unfair trade.” This is the second such report produced by the Commission following the introduction in 2017 of a new anti-dumping methodology. Country reports provide evidence that can be used by industry to request application of the new methodology to their particular case. The 2017 methodology establishes a new way of calculating anti-dumping duties for imports from countries where the economy is distorted by state interference. For more information, see the full announcement here.