The Netherlands has urged the European Commission (EC) to address the Colombian authorities about the anti-dumping measures against the Netherlands. This is apparent from a letter to parliament from Minister Sigrid Kaag (Ministry of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation).
Minister Kaag also wants the World Trade Organization (WTO) to stand up for the rights of potato processing companies in the Netherlands. Dutch potato processors are also calling for strong measures.
Parliamentary questions asked
The Dutch government is monitoring the situation, according to answers from Minister Kaag Parliamentary questions by VVD members Bente Becker and Helma Lodders. They asked questions about the Colombian anti-dumping procedure against the Dutch potato sector. This is in response to a message from Boerenbusiness.
Minister Kaag shares the opinion of the Dutch exporters. They say that the complaint from Colombian producers, which led to the measures, contains very little information about the damage to the domestic industry.
Dutch potato processors believe that the comparisons made by the Colombian government are incorrect. According to Aviko, local farmers are not suffering any damage from Dutch exports, but a large American multinational is behind it. He would like to build a protective wall. Aviko informed the Financieele Dagblad of this.
South American sales
The South American countries believe that the fries produced in Western Europe are marketed too cheaply. Local producers would suffer from this. The South American countries are instigating each other by introducing anti-dumping measures against Dutch potato processing companies. This could be harmful for the Netherlands, given that the Netherlands exported €2015 million worth of fries to South America in 140.
Exactly which measures Colombia will introduce will only be known in the second half of March. The Netherlands hopes to prevent these from becoming the same measures as in Brazil. These levies are almost 100% for Dutch fries. Colombian authorities have already determined that dumping is taking place, but have decided not to take any measures for the time being.
Wrong moment
Processors are currently investing heavily in new factories. This makes the timing of the anti-dumping measures inconvenient. Between August 2016 and July 2017, the Netherlands exported 7.561 tons of frozen fries to Colombia, an increase of 17% (compared to the previous 12 months). Colombian exports have a total value of €23,61 million.