Four local fish exporters avoid anti-dumping tax

The frozen fillets of four tra catfish exporters have been declared anti-dumping-tax exempt after the US Commerce Department’s fifth administrative review of imports between August 1, 2007 and July 31, 2008.

The four are QVD, Vinh Hoan, Samefico and Cadovimex 2, says the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) Association in a statement.

But the US Commerce Department last year continued its general tariff on Viet Nam’s fish fillets beyond a five-year sunset review of imports from Viet Nam.

The tariff for the next five years will range between 26.84 per cent and 63.88 per cent – the same as after the first review in 2002.

The tariff will be subject to administrative review during each of the five years with eligible exporters declared anti-dumping-tax exempt.

The VASEP’s statement says the ruling will have an adverse effect on the competitiveness of tra and basa in the US market.

It will hurt not only the exporters but also US companies that use the produce in production; American consumers – who have to pay more for fish with fewer choices – and struggling workers.

Viet Nam’s Industry and Trade Ministry rejects the Commerce Department’s finding and says the country’s exporters do not “dump” catfish into the US market.

The anti-dumping decisions of US agencies since 2002 do not reflect the reality of Viet Nam’s tra and basa production and marketing, it says.

The volume of tra exports to the US increased by 70 per cent to 41,609 tonnes worth US$1.34 million last year against 2008 despite the anti-dumping tariff.

Exports of tra and basa fish earned $1.3 billion in 2009 and are expected to earn $1.5 billion this year.VietNamNet/Viet Nam News

Tags: anti-dumping tax on Vietnam seafood exports, Vietnam Seafood, Vietnam seafood exports, Vietnam seafood exports 2010