The Australian chemistry industry has welcomed initiatives announced today by the Minister for Industry, the Hon Ian Macfarlane MP, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, the Hon Bob Baldwin MP, to strengthen and improve access to anti-dumping remedies for Australian businesses.
“These Federal Government initiatives will make it easier for trade-exposed businesses to access anti-dumping remedies quickly and at low cost,” said Ben Stapley, PACIA Director for Policy and Regulation.
“When dumping occurs, timely remedies are critical to prevent continued harm to Australian industry. Measures to strengthen the processing of anti-dumping remedies, including the requirement for all parties to provide information within a specified timeframe, will support efficient, free and fair markets that benefit businesses and consumers.
“The proposal to triple the number of International Trade Remedy Advisors will further assist companies, especially small and medium sized businesses, to better understand and access anti-dumping remedies available to them.
“The Australian chemistry industry, Australia’s second largest manufacturing sector, supports competitive, efficient and open markets. Macro economic conditions, including the high Australian dollar and relatively high interest rates over a sustained period, have made Australia an attractive market for dumped goods and commodities. Stronger controls and improved access to anti-dumping remedies are essential to ensuring Australian markets remain free from activities that unfairly harm the competitiveness of local businesses.
“Recent Federal Government policy announcements, including the Industry Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda, recognise the crucial role of Australia’s valuable science and technology industries to drive innovation and comparative advantage. Today’s announcement is a part of the valuable ongoing work to help ensure that the operating conditions support this drive to enhance Australia’s competitiveness.
“These initiatives will help facilitate the Australian chemistry industry's important role in maintaining and improving our quality of life, and enabling the technologies of the future.
“We look forward to working with the Australian Government to implement the new anti-dumping measures,” Mr Stapley said.
Contact: Claire Selby, [email protected], 0448 028 876.
Released 12 December 2014
About PACIA
PACIA is the pre-eminent national body representing Australia¹s $40bn chemistry industry, whose businesses directly employ 60,000 people and contribute approximately 11.5% of total Australian manufacturing production. PACIA members comprise a broad range of companies positioned across the entire value chain. Members include chemicals manufacturers, importers and distributors, logistics and supply chain partners, raw material suppliers, plastics fabricators and compounders, chemicals and plastics recyclers and service providers to the industry. These businesses range from small family-owned companies and innovative medium-sized enterprises, to leading national and multinational enterprises.
