The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman announced that USTR will request that the World Trade Organization take action against China for its failure to eliminate its anti-dumping and countervailing duties on U.S. chicken exports. The National Chicken Council and the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council both applaud this announcement.

They are also grateful for the support of U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.), as members of the Senate’s “Chicken Caucus,” for their support of U.S. chicken producers throughout this case.

As one of the main export destinations for products like chicken paws and wingtips, China is an important market to the United States. The sale of these products added considerable value to the U.S. broiler industry, and the duties imposed by China have unfairly hindered access to this important market.

In 2013, a WTO dispute settlement panel comprehensively found that China’s anti-dumping and countervailing duties violated its WTO obligations. Despite that decision, China has still refused to remove these duties. The U.S. government has reasonably tried to work with China since then to resolve this matter consistent with the panel’s decision, but China’s continued failure to abide by the ruling and to meet its obligations is unacceptable.

Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, said, “We agree: China is misusing anti-dumping rules. China’s actions keep U.S. poultry from being sold to Chinese consumers at a price that reflects a fair profit for American farmers and real value for its own citizens.”

“Farm Bureau supports trade that brings fair prices to farmers and good nutrition to a rapidly-growing population around the world. We applaud USTR for pursuing this action,” Duvall added.