The Anti-Dumping Commission has released its preliminary report and has indicated that the imposition of additional tariffs on dumped processed tomatoes is warranted.
The WTO Anti-Dumping Agreement allows countries to take action against imports from countries allegedly exporting at 'dumped' prices.
Australian Made chief executive, Ian Harrison welcomed the findings.
“We look forward to the final report validating these findings, but the fact remains, there is damage being done to the local industry, and Australia’s growers, every day until these safeguards are put in place,” said Harrison.
SPC Ardmona instigated the inquiry earlier this year, after the processor was forced to heavily discount its Australian grown processed tomatoes in order to compete with cheap imports.
“Australia needs to be vigilant about the damage that can be done to Australian processors, and in turn Australian growers, given the time it takes to assess such claims,” said Harrison.
“There is a strong argument that the onus of proof should be shifted from the claimant to the importer to prove what is being sold has not been dumped, when a reasonable claim is accepted by the Anti-Dumping Commission.”