Reforms to lift growers out of the dumps
Requirements for companies to comply with Australian anti-dumping investigations to avoid being slapped with heavier duties, and reduced timeframes to respond to dumping claims are among the changes stemming from a review of Australia’s anti-dumping laws.
“The issue of foreign companies dumping products in Australia and selling them at below the cost of production has placed local growers and producers under considerable strain in the past so we’re pleased to see the government is taking action,” said Ausveg Deputy CEO Andrew White.
“We are hopeful that these changes will result in the closure of loopholes, and allow Australian growers to compete on a more level playing field against foreign competitors,” said Mr White. “We believe these measures will go some way to improving the lot of Australia’s growers, while striking a balance with our international trade obligations” said Mr White.
Along with a reduction of the timeframe to respond to dumping allegations from 40 to 37 days – the minimum allowable under international law – the reforms would result in the introduction of scaled application fee to have an anti-dumping ruling reviewed. The amount charged would depend on the size of the company, meaning smaller operators would not be disadvantaged.
The measures could also improve Australia’s capacity to investigate dumping allegations overseas through the establishment of an Anti-Dumping Information Service.
For more information:
Andrew White
Ausveg
Tel: +61 (03) 9882 0277
E-mail: andrew.white@ausveg.com.au