A news release from the Coalition of Gulf Shrimp Industries indicates the organization filed a petition on Friday with the U.S. government seeking the imposition of countervailing duties on shrimp from China, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
The organization says it needs the duties to offset the “unfair trade advantage currently held by these countries,” according to the release.
“Today’s filing is about the survival of the entire U.S. shrimp industry,” said Executive Director of the Coalition of Gulf Shrimp Industries C. David Veal. “Our harvesters, docks and processors have all played a vital role in the economy and culture of the Gulf region throughout its history. This case will help determine whether together we can continue to create jobs, contribute to economic growth and sustain communities across the Gulf States for years to come.”
The release indicates the seven states exported $4.3 billion worth of shrimp to the United States in 2011.