January 7, 2005

US May Revise Anti-Dumping Duty On India's Shrimp Exports

The US will impose anti-dumping duty on shrimp imports from six countries, including India, following the ruling of its International Trade Commission. However the cases of New Delhi and Bangkok may be reconsidered in view of Tsunami disaster.

Following the Commission's ruling that shrimp imports had "materially injured" US industry, India faces duties on its non-canned warm water shrimp and prawns in the range of 5.02 to 13.42 per cent, and zero to 112.81 per cent for China. The other countries affected are Ecuador, Brazil Vietnam and Thailand.

The Commission, citing concerns about the possible impact of the recent Tsunami disaster on the shrimp industry in India and Thailand, announced that it will collect information and invite submissions on whether the changed circumstances warrant that it review its findings.

The Commission, however, closed investigations into imports of canned warm water shrimp and prawns from India as well as the two South American countries as they were "negligible" .

Criticizing the ruling, the American Seafood Distributors Association and the Consuming Industries Trade Action Coalition said that it will lead to price hikes for the food items and demanded that the tariffs on India and Thailand be revoked as the two countries were reeling from the Tsunami disaster.

"First, our hearts go out to the victims of the Tsunami tragedy and we hope that the ITC revokes its tariffs against India and Thailand as soon as possible," said Wally Stevens, speaking for the two associations.