US to review dumping tariffs on Vietnam`s catfish

Hanoi (VNA)- The US International Trade Committee (ITC) has voted for a
five-year administrative review of its anti-dumping tariff levied on
Vietnam 's catfish fillets, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood
Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

The vote on October 7, 2008 has given the ITC mandate to review all
aspects of the tariff policy to ascertain whether the lifting of the
anti-dumping duties would cause further damage to the US catfish
industry over certain timeframes.

The US Department of Commerce (DOC) officially imposed the anti-dumping
tariffs on catfish products imported from Vietnam in 2003. The rates for
different enterprises vary and are reviewed annually.

Under the DOC's commitments to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the
application of anti-dumping tariffs or any agreed delay would expire after
five years of imposition unless the DOC and ITC find evidence of further or
repeated dumping of products or subsidisation of products, leading to a
negative impact on the domestic US market.

Regarding the five year administrative review, the ITC has asked
interested parties to contribute feedback containing accurate information to
help them consider any effects that may emerge if the policy is lifted.

Feedback is usually considered within 95 days from the day the committee
begins the review process to help determine whether the information received
is sufficient to necessitate launching a comprehensive administrative
review.