NZ Plans Public Interest Test For Anti-Dumping Duties

by Mary Swire, Tax-News.com, Hong Kong

05 June 2014

New Zealand's commerce minister, Craig Foss, has released a discussion paper seeking feedback on options for introducing a bounded public interest test into the country's anti-dumping regime.

"The development of a public interest test is part of the Government's on-going work to improve housing affordability. It follows the removal of duties and tariffs on imported building material, as announced in the budget," Foss said.

"Under the current system there is no scope for considering the wider impact of anti-dumping duties on the economy. While anti-dumping duties provide relief for domestic industries, the additional costs imposed on imported goods may also reduce competition and result in higher prices for New Zealanders."

"Adopting a public interest test would provide flexibility to consider whether an anti-dumping duty is actually in the best interests of the public," the minister said.

He concluded: "The Government's aim is to promote greater competition and get a better deal for all New Zealanders. This is important for helping to sustain rapid development projects like the Christchurch rebuild and Auckland's residential construction boom."

Anti-dumping duties may be imposed on foreign exports that have been found to be causing injury to domestic businesses due to foreign goods being sold below market rates, known as dumping.

Please enter your email address to join the Tax-News.com mailing list. View previous newsletters.

To manage your mailing list preferences, please click here »