The Dollar-Based Sugar Price
On 11 May the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) published a notice on the increase in the Dollar-Based Reference Price (DBRP) for sugar, classifiable under tariff heading 17.01 from US$566/ ton to US$856.32/ton. The application was lodged by the South African Sugar Association (Sasa) who reasoned that the industry had been on a long-term downward trend. This is attributed to on-going challenges of reduced profitability driven by increasing input costs and stagnant yields. Since 2000, the industry has lost significant areas under cane, a net loss of 70 000 ha. Should the current policy framework be maintained, this current trend is likely to continue at a faster pace. There are three reasons for the new application to increase the DBRP: (a) The continued influx of duty-paid imports; (b) The current level (USD566) is inadequate and is below cost of production (inadequate margins); and (c) As a mitigation measure against the impending Health Promotion Levy (HPL), formerly known as the Sugar Sweetened Beverage tax. Comment is due by 1 June.
Trade Facilitation Agreement implementation
At its meeting of 2 May, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Committee on Trade Facilitation reviewed a total of 63 new notifications from members of their respective timetables and assistance needed to implement provisions of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), import and export procedures and other information helpful for traders and governments, and details of available technical assistance and support for capacity building. The WTO secretariat, in its update to members at the meeting, further noted that a total of 136 members had completed their ratification process related to the FTA, which is equivalent to 83% of the WTO membership. Since the last committee meeting, 14 more members have submitted their instruments of acceptance of the TFA: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Benin, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Central African Republic, Cuba, Djibouti, Indonesia, Israel, the State of Kuwait, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, South Africa. Several more are in the advanced stages of preparation. According to the WTOs TFA database, the current implementation rate of the FTA stands at 59.7%. This equates to a 100% implementation rate by developed members, 58% among developing members and 21.2% among least developed countries.
Invitation – WCO Fellowship Programme
The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has extended an invitation to Customs officers to attend its 76th Fellowship Programme from 24 September to 2 November. The programme is considered an integral part of the WCO’s Leadership and Management Development Programme, which aims to invest in middle managers with high potential and develop their abilities, skills and knowledge. Applications are due by 18 May.
Duty Calls Watchlist
Comment on the safeguard investigation of other screws fully threaded with hexagon heads made of steel is due by 20 June. Comment on the sunset review of the anti-dumping duties on polymers of PVC originating in or imported from the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan is due by 30 May
