Russian Federation – Recycling Fee on Motor Vehicles

Request to Join Consultations

Communication from the United States

        The following communication, dated 18 July 2013, from the delegation of the United States to the delegation of the Russian Federation, the delegation of the European Union and to the Chairperson of the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated in accordance with Article 4.11 of the DSU.

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This concerns the request for consultations by the European Union on Russian Federation – Recycling Fee on Motor Vehicles, circulated on 11 July 2013 (WT/DS462/1).  My authorities have instructed me to notify the consulting Members and the Dispute Settlement Body of the desire of the United States to be joined in these consultations, pursuant to Article 4.11 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes.  Between September 2012 and May 2013, US exports to the Russian Federation of wheeled vehicles subject to the fee at issue were valued at $1.25 billion and accounted for approximately eight per cent by value of Russian imports of vehicles subject to the fee.  Furthermore, such vehicles accounted for over ten per cent of total US exports to the Russian Federation during that time period.  As such, the United States has a substantial trade interest in these consultations.