US tightens tariffs on Chinese shrimp

THE Southern Shrimp Alliance in the United States has called on Washington to impose additional tariffs on imports of certain types of Chinese seafood, in what many people fear could lead to a trade war between the two countries.
The alliance has submitted a letter to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) supporting the request made by Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana that shrimp and crawfish imports from China be included in the proposed ‘remedial action’ in a bid to reduce the level of some Chinese imported goods.
The letter has additionally requested that all merchandise produced through Chinese aquaculture be subject to additional tariffs as part of any action.
The Southern Shrimp Alliance said: ‘The US Department of Commerce has already made formal final affirmative determinations that Chinese shrimp producers and exporters received countervailable subsidies, including support through the government of China’s industrial policies.
The letter adds: ‘Further, the Southern Shrimp Alliance observed that the widespread adoption of aquaculture throughout the world means that there are many other sources for seafood outside of China such that any tariffs placed on Chinese seafood would have a limited adverse impact on American consumers.’