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On 11 June 2013, the Commission met to evaluate the outcomes of the investigation on the application by the South African Poultry Association (SAPA), for an increase in the duty on a range of categories of frozen chicken meat. The requested increase in tariffs by SAPA is as follows:
At its meeting, the Commission heard and considered submissions by interested parties making both written and oral presentations to it. The interested parties that made submissions included SAPA, the applicant, and those opposing the application, namely, the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE), Merlog and Boxer. In its consideration and deliberations on the production, trade and financial information pertaining to the poultry industry, the Commission concluded that further in-depth and rigorous analysis of the information at its disposal was needed. It therefore decided to make a final determination on this matter at its next meeting, scheduled for 9 July 2013. After its meeting of 9 July 2013, a recommendation will therefore be made to the Minister of Trade and Industry. The power to decide on import tariffs resides with the Executive Authority and ITAC is an expert body that provides advice to government. It must be noted that there is also a High Court hearing in relation to this investigation that is scheduled for 18 June 2013. The High Court hearing is on an application launched by AMIE to access confidential information pertaining to this investigation.
Mr Siyabulela Tsengiwe |