Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 11, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke urges U.S. to stop Chinese from dumping apple juice concentrate

OLYMPIA – Gov. Locke today wrote U.S. Commerce Secretary William Daley, asking that Sec. Daley impose retroactive duties on the People's Republic of China for dumping apple juice concentrate in the United States.

These duties, and an end to the dumping, are critical for Washington apple producers, Locke wrote.

Locke noted the International Trade Commission's unanimous ruling that the U.S. industry is being economically injured by below-cost imports from China.

"I strongly urge the U. S. Commerce Department to issue its penalty decision on this critical matter as soon as possible, but no later that early October," Locke said. "It also seems appropriate to impose retroactive duties on Chinese concentrate imports when the current crop comes to market, given the 111 percent surge in imports since the anti-dumping case was initiated."

Locke said these are extremely difficult times for Washington apple producers, noting that many quality, long-term producers are being forced out of business because of declining prices and loss of export markets.

Locke's letter draws attention to the additional burden of unfair competition to Washington's apple industry. Furthermore, Locke pointed out, a suitable penalty is an important step in re-establishing the level playing field that is critical if Washington state and other U.S. apple producers are to survive and thrive in a highly competitive world market.

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