Brussels, 19/11/2007 (Agence Europe) - In its special report published on Friday 16 November, the WTO validates the antidumping measures imposed by the EU since the beginning of 2006 against imports of salmon farmed in Norway. The regulation of January 2006 sets a minimum import price of €2.80/kg for this product (EUROPE 9111). The conclusions of the WTO panel agree with the Commission that the antidumping measures are justified, although Norway also gained satisfaction on certain details which do not detract from the measures themselves.
“I welcome the WTO's clear rejection of the Norwegian claim that the EU's measures against the dumping of salmon from Norway should be abolished”, European Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson commented in a press release published the same day. The EU and Norway have 60 days to appeal to the WTO Dispute Settlement Body. Norway, which produces 60% of the salmon consumed by EU citizens, had brought a complaint before the WTO in an attempt to force the European Community to abolish the import measures against Norwegian operators in the farmed salmon sector. (L.C.)