The U.S. has plans to side with the European Union in its dispute with Russia concerning auto recycling fees. Michael Froman, the Trade Representative of the United States, recently announced the alignment of American and European positions. The E.U. takes issue with Russia as to whether there should be a recycling charge on imported cars or not.

Froman told the media that a case has been brought against Russia to the WTO concerning the issue of the recycling fee. The Trade Representative has said that the United States will support the E.U.

The E.U. sent Russia an official notice regarding the matter in early July, and indicated that formal consultations would be conducted in relation to that notice.

A diplomat from the E.U. stated that Russia was initially asked to rectify the issue and cancel the recycling fees by the first of July. The E.U. had to approach the WTO on this matter because Russia refused to comply. The E.U. representative also added that since Russia is a member of the WTO, it is vital that it follow global trade policies.

Russia’s Economic Development Ministry said that the WTO proceedings would be initiated in the month of September. Yekaterina Maiorova, who is the deputy head of the Trade Negotiations Department, said that if the E.U. begins court proceedings in this matter, then there was a chance that it would grow into an actual WTO proceeding in due course of time.