And we are all so surprised (not)!

The Anti-Dumping Commission (ADC) has found that imported processed tomatoes from Italian companies Feger and La Doria have been illegally dumped in Australia.

In its Statement of Essential Facts, the ADC acknowledged the impact EU subsidies are having on Italian canned tomato prices.

Since 2010, the illegal dumping of tomato products has resulted in material damage to SPC including reduced margins and declining profitability. SPC has struggled to compete on price with these heavily subsidised dumped Italian tomatoes.

The commissioner is recommending preliminary dumping duties be imposed at margins of 7.5% and 5.1%. Feger and La Doria’s exports represent approximately half of the imported Italian tomatoes in Australia. In SPC’s previous case, the ADC found that 103 of 105 Italian tomato exporters were found to be dumping.

SPC Managing Director Reg Weine acknowledged the support for SPC. “This decision is critical, not just for SPC but for Australia’s manufacturing industry and food processing sector,” he said.

“The future of Australia’s food processing sector, horticulture industry and the livelihood of Australian farmers is being undermined as more and more cheap imports flood the market and find their way onto supermarket shelves.

“We need a level playing field to succeed, and today’s statement gives me confidence that SPC can continue to produce the quality clean, green Australian products that our consumers love and we are famous for.

“It is pleasing to see that the ADC has made a decision that supports regional industry and jobs. The Australian Government now has the time to consider this report and make a final decision. I trust that as they do this, they will also put the appropriate measures in place to ensure duties are uniformly applied,” said Weine.