The final resolution of the anti-dumping investigation regarding apple imports from the United States, which confirmed the existence of dumping in the export of US apples, was published yesterday. However, even though producers suffer the ravages caused by the existing dumping of US apples, which is even more scandalous than what the authority determined it was, the preliminary quotas that the Secretariat imposed on January 6, 2016 were revoked.
The Ministry of Economy confirmed that the information from certain exporters and importers of US apples was inconsistent and unreliable, as it didn't present the actual prices paid for the US apple, which Unifrut argues is a clear sign of illicit behavior and possible tax offences in the import of that product.
Domestic producers know it was very hard for the Ministry of Economy to discover all of the illegal dumping manoeuvrers practised by importers of US apples to hide the huge dumping margins because such deceitful and fraudulent practices are beyond the powers of the Ministry.
These illegal practices have prevented shinning a light on the low prices at which the US apples are really imported. The reality is that the actual US apple imports and prices severely affect, and will continue to affect, the national apple producing sector until the exporters and importers who commit such practices are stopped.
During the investigation, Unifrut presented evidence of the practices carried out by importers in collusion with exporters, which can constitute tax offences, including smuggling and tax evasion (each of which is punished with up to 9 years of imprisonment). Thus, for the past couple of months, domestic producers of apple and the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance, have analyzed the start of various legal proceedings and new lines of research so that such practices do not go unpunished.
Taking into account the unfair and illegal practices that came to light during the investigation, domestic producers, who are seeking the support of various authorities, including the Ministry of Economy, are preparing various demands, including a new investigation into the scandalous apple dumping. However, this time the various demands will be conducted in parallel so that the various competent authorities attack on several fronts the collusion between importers and exporters of US apples.
Source: laopcion.com.mx