The American Shrimp Processors Association (ASPA) testified before a United States Senate committee last week that shortfalls in antidumping duty collections and trade-enforcement circumventions are harming United States fishermen.
Edward T. Hayes,
ASPA lauded committee chairman Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) for bringing attention to the
“We commend Chairman Landrieu for this hearing that highlights trade duty collection difficulties for shrimp and other U.S. industries and shows her keen interest in leveling the playing field for Gulf shrimp processors, shrimpers, and docks,” said David Veal, executive director of ASPA. “We look forward to working with her and Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Thad Cochran to correct the egregious transshipment and duty evasion practices of our foreign competitors.”
Hayes spoke at length about Louisiana’s shrimp and crawfish industries and condemned transshipping, a commonly used method for avoiding import
“We also thank Chairman Landrieu for directing Customs to report on cash deposit requirements for new shipper reviews,” says Hayes. “Currently, a new exporter or producer enjoys the privilege to post bonds rather than cash deposits pending a new shipper review. This should be abolished.”