The anti-dumping tariffs on French fries placed on three European countries by the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) have lapsed. Itac placed anti-dumping tariffs as high as 181.05% on Germany, 104.52% on the Netherlands, and 23.06% on Belgium in July for a period of sixth months.
Frozen food importer Hume International stated: “The news comes as a small, but much needed, reprieve for the food industry during a period marred by continued global supply chain disruptions, rising animal feed costs, record high fuel prices impacting on transportation costs and increased loadshedding, which may lead to shortages of certain local food products.”
Low-income households in South Africa have been hit the hardest by rising prices. Households are currently spending on average 13.5% more on food a month than a year ago, according to the Household Affordability Index for December.
Hume International continues to call on government to temporarily suspend trade duties on staple food products and previously inexpensive sources of protein, such as chicken, until local producers manage to catch up with demand.
Source: engineeringnews.co.za