Expeditors analyzed the tariffs owed and documents required for the import of the items, which were sourced from many countries, each with different trade agreements.

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The United States announced in March that it was easing sanctions against Iran by allowing the import of three luxury items: carpets, pistachios and caviar.

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For example, you didn't mention that the recent interest-rate rise on January 31st followed both an unexpected increase in the cash reserve ratio by the central bank and cuts to import duty on several items by the government in order to check inflation.

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Then they slapped on import duties against German automobiles and other items.

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An exchange of ambassadors could lead to Vietnam getting Most-Favored Nation trading status and Export-Import Bank loans, critical for buying high-priced items such as aircraft.

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If this limit is breached, HM Revenue and Customs can insist on the payment of import duty and VAT of up to 20% on many items, which may include those prized jeans or iPods.

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This problem prompted America to insist this week on adding a number of items to the list of goods that Iraq must obtain UN approval to import.

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Mr Sinha has imposed a flat 8% import-duty surcharge (with some exemptions), and has increased duties still further on several items, such as copper.

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The U.S. often spends more importing certain items from China than it does on oil, which is perceived as its most important import and the one that contributes most to the trade deficit.

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China restricts the trade of art and other prized historical items, banning the export of what the government labels as "cultural relics, " and places heavy import taxes on collectors who bring art to the country.

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