The Government on Wed 4.12.2012, announced that it would reform Australia’s anti-dumping system. Dumping is a trade practice where imported goods are sold in Australia at prices below their normal value. The key reforms announced would:
- establish a new Anti-Dumping Commission to investigate complaints;
- boost funding to Customs by $24.4m over 4 years so it can deal with cases speedily and fairly – this will almost double the number of investigators;
- make the anti-dumping system easier for small and medium-sized businesses; and
- introduce stricter remedies against overseas producers who deliberately circumvent Australia’s anti-dumping rules.
The Government will introduce legislation in 2013 to establish the new Anti-Dumping Commission. The Commission will be based in Melbourne and will report directly to the Minister for Home Affairs and utilise the systems of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.
Source: PM’s joint press release, 4 December 2012
[LTN 235, 4/12]