The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) on Tuesday is holding a hearing to determine whether revoking antidumping tariffs on shrimp imports from China, India, Brazil, Thailand and Vietnam would result in the recurrence of dumping.
The hearing is part of a “sunset review” process required every five years.
At the hearing, the ITC will listen to arguments from both domestic and foreign shrimp producers.
“The orders have imposed stability in an industry that has faced enormous challenges,” said David Veal, executive director of the American Shrimp Processors Association. “The shrimp industry has faced destructive hurricanes, a massive economic recession and the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history. Despite all of those challenges, the industry has survived and will continue to thrive with trade relief in place.”
The Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA), an eight-state group representing shrimp fishermen and processors from the Carolinas to Texas, also supports the continuation of the tariffs. The SSA filed the antidumping petition that led to the tariffs.
The SSA “is extremely thankful for the testimony of Sens. Mary Landrieu, Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker in support of the antidumping orders,” said John Williams, SSA executive director. “The overwhelming support from senators, representatives, governors and other elected officials of the shrimp industry is a testament to the economic importance of the industry to the Gulf and South Atlantic region.”
More often than not, the ITC rules in favor of domestic producers during a sunset review.
