November 20, 2007

Norway loses battle on salmon dispute

Norway lost the support of World Trade Organisation (WTO) in its battle against EU salmon provisions.

WTO rejected Norway's demand for full-scale rebuke on measures designed to safeguard the welfare of community salmon producers.

Michael Russell, Scotland's Minister for Environment, said that EU's anti-dumping measures are "necessary, proportionate and fair."

Russell said that these measures were important in protecting the Scottish industry from unfair competition.

Meanwhile, EU anti-dumping measures against imports of farmed salmon from Norway remain in full force. Russell added that the Scottish government together with the UK government will work closely with EU to maintain the situation.

Definitive EU anti-dumping measures against imports of farmed Norwegian salmon have been in place since January 2006.

UK and Ireland requested the measures to provide a breathing space for Scottish and Irish salmon farmers to diversify and restructure without unfair competition from increasing low-priced imports.