Cassidy Applauds New Tariffs to Protect Louisiana Shrimp Industry from Unfair Trade Practices

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today applauded the U.S. International Trade Commission's decision to place new tariffs on frozen warmwater shrimp from Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam following petitions filed by the American Shrimp Processors Association (ASPA).

"Countries selling shrimp below their cost to the U.S. undermine Louisiana producers and Louisiana jobs. We should use every tool we have to ensure fairness in dealing with American businesses," said Dr. Cassidy.

Background

Last year, Cassidy and industry leaders successfully pushed the U.S. International Trade Commission to keep anti-dumping orders against China, India, Thailand, and Vietnam in place during a five-year sunset review. The commission determined that revoking the existing anti-dumping duty orders on frozen warmwater shrimp would likely worsen the problem.

In April, Cassidy advocated for Louisiana shrimpers at a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Katherine Tai. He pressed her on progress USTR is making to prevent shrimp dumping from Asia. Cassidy also highlighted a whistleblower report on the safety of shrimp imported from India.

In July, Cassidy led a group of Senate colleagues in urging U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo not to grant market economy status to Vietnam and safeguard American industries, such as Louisiana shrimpers. Citing Vietnam's controlled currency, lack of labor rights, and extensive state intervention, granting Vietnam market economy status would devastate U.S. industries already damaged by Vietnam's unfair trade practices.

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