August 16, 2013

Chinese frozen shrimp exporter to continue battle against US duties

Zhanjiang Guolian Aquatic Products Co Ltd, China's leading exporter of frozen warm-water shrimp, will continue to fight against the increased countervailing duties imposed by the US Department of Commerce.

The Chairman of Zhanjiang Guolian Aquatic Products Co Ltd has been leading the company's on-going fight against the US duties.

But in its final ruling, the US Department of Commerce imposed a countervailing duty of 18.16% on frozen warm-water shrimp imported from China, which was much higher than the 5.76% countervailing duty set in the preliminary ruling in May 29. This is the first time the US has set punitive duties on Chinese agricultural exports.

The final ruling also set duties, ranging from zero to as high as 54.5%, on exporters from six other countries, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.

The US International Trade Commission is scheduled to make its final determinations on or before September 19, 2013.

Chinese exports of frozen warm-water shrimp to the US were worth US$101.9 million in 2012.