WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is currently investigating the lamb import market and is now requesting information from the country’s sheep industry on how imported lamb is affecting domestic producers.
The request follows pressure from the American Sheep Industry Association (ASIA), which called for a formal investigation into whether trade measures are needed. The group says imports from Australia and New Zealand have cut into the U.S. market share.
If USTR does not take further action, industry leaders say, they may petition the International Trade Commission (USITC) for a Section 201 Safeguard Investigation.
Under Section 201, domestic industries that are seriously injured or at risk of serious injury due to increased imports can petition the USITC for import relief. The USITC assesses whether an imported article is brought into the U.S. in such increased quantities that it significantly causes, or threatens to cause, serious harm to the U.S. industry producing a similar or directly competing product.
If the Commission makes a positive finding, it recommends relief measures to the President to prevent or address the injury and help the industry adjust to import competition. The President then makes the final decision on whether to grant relief and determines the amount.
However, the Association’s executive director said a direct request from the USTR would carry greater significance than this alternative approach.
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