Port of Wilmington, Delaware Hails U.S. International Trade Commission’s Ruling to Dismiss Anti-Dumping Claim Against 
Chilean Grape Imports

Port of Wilmington, Delaware officials welcomed today’s U.S. International Trade Commission’s (USITC) ruling against the recent antidumping petition filed by the Coachella Valley, California Table Grape growers against Chile and Mexico.  In their petition, filed on March 30, 2000, the Coachella Valley growers alleged that Chilean and Mexican grapes entering the U.S. marketplace between April and June 30, 2000, entered at less than fair value.   They requested that the Commerce Department impose a 30%  “anti dumping” duty on the imports of Chilean and Mexican table grapes. Today’s USITC ruling recognized that last year’s drop in grape prices was not due to illegal dumping, but rather caused by a “rare overlap in growing seasons” that experts predicted would not repeat itself.

The ruling today will help the Port of Wilmington and other Delaware River ports preserve waterfront jobs generated by Chilean winter grape imports, and prevent severe trade restrictions which could have curtailed late-season fruit shipments.

Adam McBride, Executive Director of the Diamond State Port Corporation said today in support of the ITC ruling: “We are very pleased with today’s ruling by the ITC and the outcome of this difficult trade issue, affecting the entire port community. We appreciate the hard work and support of Delaware’s Congressional Delegation in making our views known to the Commerce Department and to the ITC. This ruling will help protect the jobs and trade activities of the Port, which are tied so closely to our fruit import business with Chile”.

McBride added: “The antidumping petition could have had a significant negative impact not only on the Delaware economy, but also on the economies of our neighboring states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  The Delaware River Port system serves as the nation’s epicenter for the importation and distribution of Chilean grapes and other winter fruit to US and Canadian markets and consumers.  The ports in the Tri-State area handle over 40 million boxes of Chilean grapes each year, which represents over 68% of total Chilean grape imports to North America.  Several thousand jobs in the ports and surrounding communities depend on the imports of table grapes into the United States. Today’s ruling is truly a victory for free trade.”

Founded in 1923, the Port of Wilmington is an important asset for the local and regional economy, generating more than 5,800 jobs and contributing over $22 million in annual tax revenues to State and local government.  The Port is owned and operated by the Diamond State Port Corporation, a corporation of the State of Delaware.  For further information, digital photos, free tours of the Port and free speakers contact:  Vered Nohi-Becker, Marketing Services Manager at the Port of Wilmington @ (302) 472-7819, e-mail: vnbecker@port.state.de.us