The WTO Panel rules in Norway’s favour in the salmon case

The WTO Panel’s report states that the EU anti-dumping measure against Norwegian salmon is inconsistent with WTO rules on 22 points. This is the largest number of infringements in any case of this kind brought before the WTO. The Panel’s report was published today.

“We are very pleased with the WTO Panel’s clear conclusions,” commented Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. “The Panel has found that the EU’s anti-dumping measure is inconsistent with WTO rules on so many decisive points that we expect the EU to withdraw the measure within a short period of time. It is important that the Norwegian salmon industry has stable conditions for export to the EU as soon as possible.” 

In particular, Norway’s claim was upheld on a key point relating to the EU companies that were not included in the investigation to determine whether injury had been caused by Norwegian exports. The European Commission limited its investigation to a small number of Scottish fish farmers who had complained, which represent 2,77 % of the EC salmon market, whereas it should have examined the situation for the whole EU salmon industry. In other words, the EU initiated the investigation without sufficient support from its own industry. Its conclusion that the EU industry as a whole had suffered injury is therefore flawed, and the basis for the anti-dumping investigation is therefore invalid. 

The Panel also found a number of errors in the EU’s calculations of costs for Norwegian companies. These errors are significant for determining whether or not dumping has taken place. Errors were also found in the calculation of the minimum import prices.  

“The key points on which Norway’s claim has been upheld indicate that Norway has on the whole been successful in this case. This ought to mean that the EU will not impose anti-dumping measures against the Norwegian salmon industry in the future,” said Mr Støre. 

More information can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.