The World Trade Organisation (WTO) Committee on Safeguards announced that on 18 July Madagascar advised of its initiation of a safeguard investigation on pasta. Comment on its investigation is due by 30 August.
A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or 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.
Story by: Riaan de Lange