No penalties for dumping; duties imposed from today

Yesterday the final determination of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) was announced yesterday in the case of the dumping of Dutch greenhouse peppers on the Canadian market.

The CITT decided that there would be no penalties for dumping in the past, but if this was to happen in the future penalties would be imposed. This means that any anti-dumping duties which have been paid to date would be refunded, but from today a duty would be imposed.

“We are very pleased with the results of the investigations by both the CITT and the CBSA” said Len Roozen, Chair of the OGVG. “The finding of injury to Canadian growers, and the resulting duty imposition, restores a level playing field for our growers. Our growers want to compete on the basis of fair trading practices, and this case demonstrates that we are prepared to defend ourselves if necessary.”

Dutch pepper exporters say that the duty will amount to 193% for exporters. The exporters also say that the duty may force pepper growers to go via the US which could affect the Canadian industry.

Inge Ribbens van Frugi Venta said that even with an import duty of 95% export was not viable for the growers, they are now meeting with exporters to discuss future options.

Dutch bell peppers released into Canada will now be subject to a duty for the next five years.