Brasília - Investigators from the Department of Commerce of the United States are in Brazil as a result of accusations of dumping. They will visit Brazilian shrimp exporters, NortePesca, Netuno and Cida, which are all located in northeastern Brazil. The US recently slapped a 37% surtax on their exports following complaints by American shrimp industries.

The Brazilian government has announced that if the Americans decide to maintain the surtax Brazil will appeal to the World Trade Organization's dispute settlement panel. Brazil says it is not dumping shirmp; on the contrary, it is just more efficient and productive due to favorable climatic conditions and can sell shrimp cheaper.

Agência Brasil
Reporter:
Translator: Allen Bennett
08/31/2004