7 February 2012
CropLife Australia welcomes the announcement by Australian Customs and Border Protection Service that it will be conducting an inquiry into the alleged dumping of fully formulated glyphosate products into Australia from China.
Matthew Cossey, CropLife CEO said today “this is a significant and serious issue for the Australian plant science industry. Our industry has fought hard to bring the issue to the attention of the Government for action. CropLife, as the peak industry organisation representing the plant science sector, looks forward to assisting the Government in any way they require and are eager to see the action to remedy the situation.
“This announcement is a positive sign that the Government is taking these issues seriously. The industry is currently facing some very major challenges and threats, dumping is one of these, but it is only a component of a much broader and far-reaching range of illegal international trade challenges.
“Australia’s plant science industry is extraordinarily competitive on an international basis and has no issue with genuine and fair competition. Australia has a number of strong working commercial relationships with companies in the Chinese agchem industry. This investigation should not be about those companies adhering to the rules but needs to target those breaching the international trading rules and attempting to act in an unfair and uncompetitive manner.
“The anti-dumping rules and international framework are designed to provide legitimate and important protection for Australian industry. Australian farmers are also well served by these international trade rules. Australian suppliers of crop protection products have a long term commitment to research and development, quality manufacturing and high levels of service to Australia’s farming sector.”
The Australian plant science industry is worth more than $1.5 billion to the Australian economy annually and directly employs thousands of people around the country. Accordingly, the Government needs to ensure that the Australian plant science industry is protected against breaches of international trade rules, such as dumping.
Mr Cossey also said that CropLife Australia has been actively working with the Federal Government and the appropriate agencies to deal with issues such as illegal trade. The dangers of this illegal trade are well known to Australian farmers and also globally.
“Our farmers and the plant science industry must feel secure and confident in the regulatory system controlling these issues. Australia’s plant science industry is among the world’s best. I think it’s only reasonable for them to expect an efficient regulatory system and a fair international environment in which to do their business”, concluded Mr Cossey.