Australia Launches Safeguard Investigation on Canned Tomatoes

Australia has notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it initiated on 21 June 2013 a safeguard investigation on canned tomatoes. The notification indicates that canned tomatoes are primarily sourced from Italy, Argentina, Germany, Turkey and the United States.

A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or is threatening to cause, serious injury to a domestic industry.

During a safeguard investigation, importers, exporters and other interested parties may present evidence and views and respond to the presentations of other parties.

A WTO member may take a safeguard action (i.e. restrict imports of a product temporarily) only if the increased imports of the product are found to be causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury.