Vietnam slaps anti-dumping tax on sugar imports from some Thai firms

Vietnam has decided to impose an anti-dumping levy from 25.73% to 32.75% on cane sugar imported from some major Thai producers until 2026.

The levy is effective from August 18, 2023 to June 6, 2026, the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade said in a decision issued on Tuesday. The ministry added it had conducted a "careful and fair investigation" prior to the decision.

The Thai cane sugar producers listed are Mitr Phol Sugar and four associated companies and Czarnikow Group Limited (anti-dumping tax of 32.75%, anti-subsidy tax of 0%); Thai Roong Ruang and five affiliates (anti-dumping tax of 25.73%, anti-subsidy tax of 4.65%).

Starting in June 2021, the ministry imposed anti-dumping tax and anti-subsidy tax totaling 47.64% on cane sugar products imported from other Southeast Asian countries but originating from Thailand for four years.

In 2020, Vietnam removed duties on cane sugar imported from Southeast Asian countries in line with the commitments of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), which aims to achieve free flow of goods in the region resulting in less trade barriers and deeper economic linkages among ASEAN member states, lower business costs, and enhanced trade.

However, the member states are allowed to impose import duties to protect the rights and interests of domestic industries against anti-competitive behavior.