Australia | Safeguards Inquiry Launched Down Under | In a joint release Wedne...
Australia
Safeguards Inquiry Launched Down Under
In a joint release Wednesday, the Australian treasurer joined the ministers of trade and agriculture in asking a “Productivity Commission” to begin an inquiry into the impact of pork imports on the Australian pork industry. The commission will report on whether conditions justify safeguard measures, what measures are necessary and whether to implement safeguards. Key to the inquiry, however, would be determining if the industry has been impacted by unforeseen pork import increases, causing hardship on the domestic pork industry.
This study will be done in accordance with the World Trade Organization safeguard investigation procedures, according to the release. The commission will be asked to provide an interim report to the Australian government by Dec. 14 and a final report by March 2008.
Through the first eight months of this year, U.S. pork and pork variety meat exports to Australia have increased 40 percent in volume to 22,170 metric tons and 64 percent in value to $59.8 million compared to the same time last year.
USMEF notes that in this Australian election year, pork imports have become a political issue as some estimate as much as three quarters of all processed pork products are made using imported product. Canada also is a major exporter of pork to Australia. Importers told USMEF they believe the commission could recommend a minimum access volume - perhaps 20,000 mt - be established, with a tariff of 10-15 percent applied to imports above this level.
Australia
Safeguards Inquiry Launched Down Under
In a joint release Wednesday, the Australian treasurer joined the ministers of trade and agriculture in asking a “Productivity Commission” to begin an inquiry into the impact of pork imports on the Australian pork industry. The commission will report on whether conditions justify safeguard measures, what measures are necessary and whether to implement safeguards. Key to the inquiry, however, would be determining if the industry has been impacted by unforeseen pork import increases, causing hardship on the domestic pork industry.
This study will be done in accordance with the World Trade Organization safeguard investigation procedures, according to the release. The commission will be asked to provide an interim report to the Australian government by Dec. 14 and a final report by March 2008.
Through the first eight months of this year, U.S. pork and pork variety meat exports to Australia have increased 40 percent in volume to 22,170 metric tons and 64 percent in value to $59.8 million compared to the same time last year.
USMEF notes that in this Australian election year, pork imports have become a political issue as some estimate as much as three quarters of all processed pork products are made using imported product. Canada also is a major exporter of pork to Australia. Importers told USMEF they believe the commission could recommend a minimum access volume - perhaps 20,000 mt - be established, with a tariff of 10-15 percent applied to imports above this level.