Pelican State News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) issued the following statement after the U.S. International Trade Commission opted to keep the anti-dumping orders for frozen warmwater shrimp from China, India, Thailand, and Vietnam during its five-year sunset review.  

“Dumped shrimp from Asia continues to be a threat to Louisiana’s shrimp industry and heritage and a health concern for consumers,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I’m pleased to see the commission listened when I and others said there should be a level playing field between Louisiana shrimpers and foreign suppliers. While the commission’s actions are good, there’s more to be done to combat bad practices of other countries.” 

The U.S. International Trade Commission determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on frozen warmwater shrimp from China, India, Thailand, and Vietnam would be likely to lead to the continuation of said practices.

Background

In April, Cassidy expressed his support for continuing antidumping orders on imports of frozen warmwater shrimp imported from China, India, Thailand, and Vietnam in a letter to U.S. International Trade Commission Chairman David Johanson. Cassidy highlighted the importance of these antidumping orders to ensure Louisiana’s shrimp industry can compete on a level playing field.

He also raised the issue with at a Senate Finance Committee hearing with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Katherine Tai. Cassidy explained that Indian shrimp, which is heavily subsidized by their government, routinely fails to meet the phytosanitary standards imposed by the European Union so it is then dumped on the U.S. market, which drives down prices and hurts domestic producers in Louisiana. 

He continues to be an advocate for Louisiana shrimpers. 

Original source can be found here