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Vipin V. Nair

Kochi , March 22

THE seafood industry is keeping its fingers crossed as the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) is set to declare on March 25 whether it will admit India's submission to review the anti-dumping duty imposed on the country's shrimp exports.

"On March 25 they will say whether they have admitted (the seafood industry's submission) or not. Once initiated, they will do the hearing," said Mr A.J. Tharakan, National President of the Seafood Exporters' Association of India (SEAI).

The USITC had earlier invited comments from public and interested parties on the impact of tsunami on seafood industries in India and Thailand to determine whether the situation warranted a review of the anti-dumping duties charged on shrimp imports from these countries.

The US had imposed an average of 9.45 per cent anti-dumping duty on shrimp imports from India, which the USITC upheld. However, in the wake of the disaster caused by tsunami on December 26 last, it said a changed circumstances review would be conducted, for which the comments were invited.

SEAI estimates that the tsunami severely damaged shrimp resources of Indian coastline. Functioning of hatcheries was also affected, as they could not procure enough mother shrimps to generate seed material.

The association is of the view that the imposition of the anti-dumping duty and fallout of tsunami will lead to about 10-15 per cent drop in India's seafood exports for the current fiscal. During April-December, exports to the US declined by 3.39 per cent to $266 million (Rs 1,163 core).

Mr Tharakan said SEAI has sent all the required details to the USITC. The association has also hired a Washington-based law firm, Willkie Farr & Gallagher to present its case. The same firm is arguing the case of Thailand too in the matter.

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