US reviews anti-dumping rules on seafood

The US Department of Commerce is proposing to amend the way it measures dumping of foreign goods, something of great interest to Indian seafood exporters, besides those of other countries.

On December 28, the DoC invited comments on the calculation of the weighted average dumping margin and the anti-dumping duty assessment rate.

“Several WTO (World Trade Organisation) dispute settlement reports have found that the United States’ application of these methodologies was inconsistent with our WTO obligations. In response, the department proposes modification of its methodologies,” says the DoC notification.

Indian seafood exporters believe the present way of calculation is unduly restrictive of exports. Others who export seafood to the US include Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Brazil and Ecuador.

Leading exporters here are pleased at the move and believe it likely that the US anti-dumping duty may be reduced or abolished.

The prevailing rate is a problem for Indian seafood exports.

“We are hopeful on the latest move of Washington. Although a final decision is expected after three-four months, it is likely that the duty might be reduced to a minimum rate,” said Anwar Hashim, president, Seafood Exporters Association of India.