No Duties On Washington Apple Exports To Mexico
June 8, 2016 | 2 min to read
Wenatchee, WA, USA – Mexico’s Ministry of Economy released its final determination on the antidumping case filed by domestic growers early today. In its review it found that imports from the United States did not cause injury to the domestic industry and therefore it has terminated the antidumping investigation on imports of U.S. apples without the imposition of antidumping duties, and the provisional duties ranging from 2.44 – 20.82% are revoked as of Wednesday, June 8, 2016.
Fred Scarlett of Northwest Fruit Exporters, the organization involved in coordinating industry defense efforts emphasized that the favorable outcome to Washington State shippers was the result of industry preparedness and a thorough response to all of the information requested by the Mexican Ministry of Economy. He went on to add “Our industry knows the importance of the Mexican market. Industry efforts to fully comply with all information requested, and the united response proved to the Ministry of Economia that there was no injury caused to Chihuahua growers by our exports.”
In December 2014, the investigation was opened by a request from the Regional Fruit Producers Association from the State of Chihuahua (UNIFRUT) against the producers and exporters of apples from the United States alleging that US apples were sold in Mexico below the cost of production and injured domestic apple growers.
The US is the primary supplier of imported apples into Mexico, with Washington accounting for roughly 90% of the total US shipments. Mexico is the largest export market for Washington apples; during the 13/14 season that was investigated, over 11 million 40-lb cartons worth $230 million were shipped to the market. It accounts for 27% of all Washington apple exports, and approximately 9% of the total crop.
The Washington Apple Commission is the international marketing arm of the Washington apple industry and conducts promotions in foreign markets to drive consumer demand for apples from Washington State, USA. Washington State produces over 90% of US apple exports, and the Washington Apple Commission provides promotional support to international retailers, wholesalers and importers with innovative marketing programs and activities to grow consumer awareness and brand loyalty.
For more information, please contact Todd Fryhover, President, Washington Apple Commission at todd.fryhover@waapple.org or 509-663-9600.
Source: Washington Apple Commission