4 March 2009

Russia’s Proposed Import Tariff Hike for Flat-Panel Televisions

The Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) is strongly concerned at moves by the Russian government to raise the import tariff rate for LCD and plasma televisions.

Such a step would run counter to both the agreement at the G20 Finance Summit last November not to take protectionist measures over the next year, as well as the spirit of the WTO Agreement, to which Russia is currently seeking to accede. The electrical and electronics industry is also highly apprehensive that the proposed tariff hike could prompt other countries to adopt protectionist measures in the midst of a global economic slowdown, impacting heavily on not only our industry but also the world economy.

JEITA strongly urges the Russian government to respect its G20 commitment and the spirit of the WTO Agreement in avoiding the protectionist step of an import tariff hike, instead maintaining policies that promote free trade.