NEWS RELEASES
U.S. SUNSET REVIEW ENDS COUNTERVAILING DUTY ORDER ON CANADIAN SWINE EXPORTS TO U.S.
October 29, 1999
U.S. SUNSET REVIEW ENDS COUNTERVAILING DUTY ORDER ON
CANADIAN SWINE EXPORTS TO U.S.
The United States Department of Commerce (DOC) today ruled that its
countervailing duty order on Canadian live swine that dates back to 1985 will be
removed Jan. 1, 2000. Live swine is the only remaining Canadian agricultural
commodity to face a countervailing duty from the United States.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lyle Vanclief and International Trade Minister
Pierre Pettigrew said the ruling is excellent news for Canadian swine exporters.
"Today's ruling is another confirmation that Canadian hogs are traded fairly," said
Minister Vanclief. "This ruling ends 15 years of market uncertainty and legal
expenses created by repeated reviews of the countervailing duty rate."
"This is an example of what can be accomplished through a rules-based trading
system," said Minister Pettigrew. "Sunset reviews of existing countervailing duty
orders were introduced into existing U.S. law as a result of the Uruguay round
negotiations."
The U.S. countervailing duty order has been in place since 1985. However, the
actual duty rate has been set at "zero" since 1996. In its sunset review, the DOC
found it is unlikely any countervailable subsidy would be introduced on Canadian
swine.
The Ministers said the Government of Canada will continue working with provinces
and producers to facilitate trade with the U.S. and address any cross-border trade
tensions. In the case of swine, Canada has recently simplified procedures for
importing slaughter swine from U.S. states that are free of pseudorabies.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Sylvie Millette Leduc Suzanne Vinet
Press Secretary International Trade Policy Directorate
Minister Vanclief's Office Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
(613) 759-1761 (613) 759-7685
Sylvie Bussières Media Relations
Office of the Minister Department of Foreign Affairs
for International Trade and International Trade
(613) 992-7332 (613) 995-1874
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