Salmon. Allegations against Norwegian salmon industry are unfounded

Foreign Minister Jan Petersen and Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Svein Ludvigsen met with representatives of the salmon industry today.

“I am convinced that the allegations that Norwegian companies have broken the WTO rules on anti-dumping, are unfounded. If the EU applies anti-dumping measures I am prepared to bring the case before the WTO as we did with the safeguards,” said Mr Petersen.

“The authorities are in close, open dialogue with the industry. We will continue this contact with the industry through new meetings at political and senior-official level. This is important in order to ensure the best possible solution for the salmon industry,” he said. “Norwegian salmon farming is an efficient and competitive industry, and is not subsidised. Nevertheless, for nearly 15 years it has had to contend with restrictions, or the threat of restrictions, on exports to the EU market.”

On 6 February this year the EU introduced safeguards on the import of farmed salmon. Denmark and France have appealed this decision to the EU Council. The Foreign Ministry has reason to believe that the majority required to maintain the measures in their present form after 24 May will not be found in the Council.

The European Commission has indicated that in that case it may apply a temporary anti-dumping duty on imports of Norwegian salmon.

“In their dialogue with the Commission, the Norwegian authorities have repeatedly suggested various elements in possible solutions. Our proposals have been brushed off by the Commission. Norway is of course willing to discuss solutions that are in line with the WTO rules,” said Mr Petersen.