The Canadian cattle industry remains in the hot seat following a decision by a grassroots group of producers in the United States to refile an anti-dumping petition with the American Department of Commerce.
The petition was withdrawn last week because the department needed more time to review the paperwork and information.
By refiling the petition two days later, the department was granted an additional 20 days to examine it, said a member of the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Foundation.
The petition charges Canadians are dumping live cattle into the American market at $50 to $150 a head below the cost of production, said Leo McDonnell of Columbus, Montana.
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“All we’re doing is asking for an investigation into unfair trade practices … not only under U.S. law but under NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement),” said McDonnell.
He denied his group is trying to close borders to trade. Instead they are trying to improve prices received by North American producers.
“There wouldn’t be any dumping going on if prices were better,” said McDonnell.
Mexico has been charged with dumping as well.
McDonnell said 104 producer associations and 20,000 private ranchers have signed the R-Calf petition.
Support against Mexican dumping comes from Texas, California, New Mexico, Arizona and Oklahoma. These states receive Mexican feeder calves on a regular basis.
A Canadian contingent defending the industry traveled to Washington Nov. 12 for a hearing on the petition that never took place.
They return Dec. 3 and will appear before the commerce department to present their deposition, said Ben Thorlakson, president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.
