US: Brazil OJ companies stung by tariff punishment

By Joel Ceausu | 25 August 2005

A US Department of Commerce (DOC) ruling is levying hefty retaliatory tariffs on several Brazilian juice companies. A preliminary DOC decision would see five companies paying punitive tariffs from 24.6% - 60.3% on future imports, because of earlier illegal trade practices.

The decision responds to a complaint filed by representatives of Florida's citrus producers, and several processors, which charged the companies - including Montecitrus Industria e Comercio, Sucocitrico Cutrale, and Fischer S/A-Agroindustria - with dumping during the 2003-04 season.

An International Trade Commission decision earlier this year ruled that the dumping harmed Florida growers.

Sectors: Soft drinks