Canada Likely to Continue Spud Dumping Case - USDA FAS

Canada Likely to Continue Spud Dumping Case
As has been the case every five years since 1990, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in late December launched an investigation of its anti-dumping order on U.S. potatoes shipped to the western Canadian province of British Columbia (B.C.). Based on CBCA’s four-month review, they have predicted that U.S. potatoes will likely fit the dumping criteria in B.C. if seasonal anti-dumping duties don't remain in place. Before the duty can continue, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal's (CITT) must conduct an inquiry to determine whether the expiry of the order is "likely to result in injury or retardation to the Canadian industry." The CITT is scheduled to make that ruling by September 10, 2010. The duty applies to whole potatoes originating in or exported from the United States for use or consumption in B.C., but excluding imports to that province during the period from May 1 to July 31, inclusive, of each calendar year. Also excluded are seed potatoes, red potatoes, yellow potatoes, exotic potato varieties and white and russet potatoes imported in 50-pound cartons in count sizes of 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80. It is the importer's responsibility to calculate and declare anti-dumping duty liability, and to advise customs brokers that the potatoes are subject to anti-dumping measures. Currently, duties are announced weekly based on the difference between calculated normal value and the export price published in USDA’s National Potato and Onion Report. In 2009, Canada imported more that C$95 million in potatoes from the United States.