Global : 15 Countries Demand Tighter Anti-Dumping Rules

Changes to WTO rules to prevent the abuse of anti-dumping measures have been called for by a group of 15 countries who met in Geneva on Wednesday. They also want to improve the fairness of investigations so businesses can be more certain of the outcome.

The group says the measures employed are often unjust and are aimed at protecting domestic industry from legitimate foreign competition. And even where no dumping is found, the long and complicated investigation can put a heavy burden on exporters.

Alejandro Jara, Chile's ambassador to the World Trade Organisation, said: "For certain industries the impact is so big that it might destroy any attempt to develop. We have been told that we should open our industry and diversify and we have done it, but every time you become successful in a particular sector, it is likely that you will be slapped with anti-dumping duties."

Textile imports are often hit by anti-dumping duties, with the biggest users including India, the US and the European Union. Under WTO rules the duties can be imposed when a country determines that foreign goods are being dumped - supplied at below market prices because they are subsidised or in an attempt to corner the market.

The group wants to see WTO rules amended so they are only used "to the extent necessary to respond to injurious dumping."