NFF welcomes duties on Italian tomatoes

The National Farmers Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Australian Government announcement certain prepared or preserved Italian tomatoes will be subject to anti-dumping duties.
The announcement, made by Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Christopher Pyne, earlier today will place duties on Feger and La Doria canned tomatoes and means all canned tomatoes from Italy will now have anti-dumping measures applied. This will make prices more in line with that of local products and eliminates the unfair price advantage created by subsidies provided to Italian growers by their government.
Canned Italian tomatoes from Feger and La Doria make up approximately half the Australian processed tomato market and are often available for half the price of locally-grown products. The anti-dumping commission has further found up to half of all canned imports are dumped or imported into Australia at less than the cost of producing them.
NFF President, Brent Finlay, said the announcement created a more level playing field for Australian canned tomatoes in the market place and would help strengthen the competitiveness of locally grown produce on Australian supermarket shelves.
“We know that consumers appreciate the ability to choose Australian grown, however when there is a severe price differential between domestically grown produce and that from overseas because of unfair and unjust international subsidies it becomes difficult for everyday Australians to make that choice,” Mr Finlay said.
“These anti-dumping measures will help make sure market conditions are fair and that Australian farmers have an opportunity to sell their high quality product at comparable prices to overseas imports.
“This is a positive step from the Australian Government that will bolster local tomato growers and regional economies.”