| WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Marion Berry (D-AR, 1st) praised the World Trade Organization (WTO) for ruling in favor of the United States yesterday in its challenge to Mexico's antidumping duties on U.S. long-grain white rice. The WTO Appellate Body's decision upholds the WTO's June 2005 findings that various provisions of Mexico's antidumping and countervailing duty laws are contrary to WTO rules.
"This is a tremendous victory for U.S. rice producers who depend heavily on Mexico's rice market," said Congressman Berry. "I hope Mexico will recognize this decision and make the necessary changes to come into compliance with WTO's international standards."
Mexico is an important and growing export market for U.S. rice producers. The country was America's top export market from 2003 to 2004, accounting for 538,800 metric tons of imported U.S. rice. Mexico imposed antidumping duties on U.S. white long grain rice in 2002 to protect their own rice producers against U.S. imports. The United States challenged these duties in 2003 by filing a settlement dispute with the WTO.
Today's announcement puts additional pressure on Mexico to repeal its antidumping laws against U.S. rice producers. These laws permit Mexico to apply excessively high duties on U.S. firms and prevent these firms from demanding a review of the duties assessed on their exports.
"I hope Ambassador Portman continues to protect U.S. rice producers and hold other nations accountable for their international trade obligations," said Congressman Berry. "This country cannot maintain a strong economy unless it starts standing up for its domestic producers."
Under WTO rules, the Appellate Body's decision will be formally adopted within 30 days.
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