The Government has decided to bring the EU decision to impose definitive anti-dumping measures on imports of Norwegian farmed salmon before the WTO Dispute Settlement Body. The Government’s decision is in line with a request by the fish-farming industry.

The Government has had a constructive dialogue with the European Commission with a view to reaching an agreed solution as an alternative to going to the WTO. On the basis of an overall assessment, the Government has concluded that such a settlement could not be reached, and will therefore refer the matter to the WTO.

Foreign Minister Støre commented as follows: “In our contacts with the EU, we have indicated that we consider the anti-dumping measures on Norwegian salmon incompatible with WTO rules. Bringing the matter to the WTO Dispute Settlement Body will bring clarity. I hope that this will lead to the measures being revoked, and that the situation of Norwegian salmon on the EU market will be normalised.”

Background:
On 21 January 2006 the Council of the European Union adopted a Regulation imposing anti-dumping measures on imports of farmed salmon originating in Norway. The measures will be in force for five years. The Regulation imposes a minimum import price of EUR 2.80 per kilogram for farmed salmon (whole fish, fresh, chilled or frozen) from Norway, with the exception of one producer that was not found to have engaged in dumping. The minimum price is higher for various grades of processed fresh and frozen salmon.