January 21, 2013

US to investigate duties on China shrimps

The US Commerce Department will be conducting countervailing duty investigations on frozen warm water shrimps from China and other countries.

The investigations are in response to the petition filed by the US Coalition of Gulf Shrimp Industries, who alleged producers and exporters of China, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam have received financial assistance from governments.

In 2011, the United States imported frozen warm water shrimps from China at an estimated US$153.7 million, 8.4% less than 2010, according to the US government's data.

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) is scheduled to make its preliminary injury determination on or before February 11, 2013.

The US government has already slapped antidumping duty orders on frozen warm water shrimp from Brazil, China, India, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry has repeatedly urged the US to abide by its commitment against protectionism and work together with China and other members of the international community to maintain a free, open and just international trade environment.