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MPO press releases

21 August 2007

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY ETIENNE TERRE’BLANCHE, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE MILK PRODUCERS’ ORGANISATION

MPO meets with Itac on milk powder imports
The Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) met with senior managers of the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac) to discuss the importation of milk powder at exceptionally low tariffs.

The MPO noted that free-on-board prices of some milk powder imports are on average $1 300 per ton below the accepted world price. The main sources of these goods are Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand and to a lesser extent, Argentina.

The reason for the low import prices is not yet clear, but the MPO has taken the initiative to investigate the matter. So far, the underdeclaration of goods has been largely discarded as an explanation for the cheap imports and other forms of price manipulation are under investigation.

Itac said it would consider implementing trade remedies and would take action against any unfair price manipulation should the investigation prove that dumping and subsidisation is the cause of these low-priced imports.

Itac complimented the MPO on the availability and extent of it’s trade information, especially regarding the current dairy imports situation.

The meeting was attended by Itac’s senior managers of Trade Remedies, Tariff Investigations and Policy and Research. Itac’s core business is to create an enabling environment for fair trade through customs tariff investigations, trade remedies and import and export control.

For further information, contact Etienne Terre’Blanche on 012 843 5600 or 082 900 7676.

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