The Australian Government has
ordered an enquiry into the dumping of steel into the Australian market, as
announced by Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne.
Announcing the beginning of the
next stage of reform, the report comes Amid concerns about dumping behaviour by
Asian manufacturers, particularly of steel and aluminium, the minister said
that while the Government strongly supports free trade and open markets, free
trade must also equal fair trade.
“In recent times I have expressed
my ongoing concern about the negative impact Asian steel and aluminium markets
are having on Australian manufacturers,” Mr Pyne said.
“Accordingly I have asked the
Anti-Dumping Commissioner to prepare a report which will:
- identify trends in
dumping and circumvention behaviour in Asian steel and aluminium markets
- identify existing
dumping duties across all steel and aluminium products
- make recommendations on the most effective measures where there is evidence of these activities.
“Input into the reforms from
stakeholders will also be critical so we’ll be out seeking feedback and ideas
from Australian industry groups, manufacturers and producers over the coming
months,” he said.
The report is expected to be
delivered by mid-April.
Trading practices like systemic
dumping, circumvention and subsidies are unfair on Australian businesses. When
they occur, Australian law provides for remedies consistent with World Trade
Organization agreements.
Tranche one of the anti-dumping
reforms, implemented last year are already having an impact.
The reforms have also increased
pressure on uncooperative exporters, established a new investigations unit
which is up and running and provided additional support to Australian
businesses engaging with the anti-dumping system.
The reforms also addressed the
practice of overseas businesses that avoid paying dumping duties by slightly
modifying their products and improved the way the Anti-Dumping Review Panel
undertakes merits review of anti-dumping decisions.
The newly-established Anti-Dumping
Information Service (ADIS), within
the Anti-Dumping Commission, will prepare the steel and aluminium report.
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