MBIE investigating claims frozen potatoes were dumped in NZ

IMPORTERS could face retrospective tariffs for bringing frozen fries to New Zealand. 

The country's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has announced is investigating the dumping of potato fries from Europe after calls from the local potato industry, according to a report by radio station Newstalk ZB.

It says trade data shows that frozen potato products exported from the EU to New Zealand jumped by 50% in June.

Chris Claridge, the chief executive at Potatoes New Zealand, said trade partners have been alerted, and importers are now on notice. "MBIEcan put in place temporary tariffs on importers being sold at what is effectively below cost into the New Zealand market," he told the radio station.

Chris said importers will be warned that this is not a good measure, as the tariffs could be retrospective. He said any option should be considered that ensures the domestic industry is protected from this activity. 

"It's probable to say this kind of thing goes on quite a bit, and other industries are subject to this." 

This follows on from reports o lockdowns causing stocks of potatoes to back-up throughout Europe. 

Source: Newstalk ZB  Photo: M W from Pixabay