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03 August 2023 Anti-dumping duties on frozen bone-in portions of chicken originating in or imported from Brazil, Denmark, Ireland, Poland and Spain have been reinstated after the lapse of the 12-month implementation suspension period, trade authority the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) reports. Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel has requested Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to give effect to the anti-dumping duties through amendment of the Customs and Excise Act. Further, Patel will request the Competition Commission and Consumer Commission to carefully monitor poultry prices to determine whether unjustified price increases are implemented by local producers in light of the anti-dumping duties. If it is found that there are price increases beyond justifiable rises in production costs or fair margins, taking advantage of the introduction of the anti-dumping duties, Patel may request that Godongwana suspend the anti-dumping duties for a period. “The anti-dumping duties are protecting local producers from dumping, which destroys local jobs. This is consistent with the rules of the World Trade Organization. “However, local producers should not exploit the anti-dumping duties to the detriment of hard-pressed South African consumers. Poultry is an important source of protein, particularly for low and middle-income households,” says Patel. Separately, the anti-dumping duty applicable to glass frit from Brazil has been lifted. The duty was introduced in 2018 for a five-year period, subject to its extension through a sunset review. ITAC recommended that, on expiry of the original period, the duty not be renewed and Patel has accepted the recommendation
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