China's poultry restriction may hurt US state's economy

US Senators expressed concern that China's imposition of duties on US poultry meat may have a severe impact on the entire poultry industry of Georgia, one of the largest poultry producers in the country.

Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss have issued statements regarding the Chinese Commerce Ministry's decision to finalise anti-dumping duties on imports of US poultry products.

The 'anti-dumping' duties on US poultry products were originally put in place last February on a preliminary basis. The move places duties at rates ranging from 43% to 105.4%.

"This decision by the Chinese could not come at a worse time as Pilgrim's Pride prepares to reopen its plant in Douglas, Georgia," said Isakson. "This will only stifle economic growth at a time when Georgia's economy can least afford it," he added, while urging the Obama Administration to make reversing these duties a high priority.

"I find it questionable to claim the US poultry industry is the recipient of subsidies. It is regrettable the Chinese are targeting this industry to express their frustration with other trade matters," said Chambliss.

Georgia has nearly three-fourths of its 159 counties involved in the poultry business.