WASHINGTON - The United States has been informed that the Canadian International Trade Tribunal has determined that imports of U.S. tomatoes were not injuring Canadian tomato producers as part of a dumping investigation initiated last year at the request of Canadian tomato producers. This ends the dumping investigation against U.S. tomatoes.

"This is good news for U.S. tomato shippers and Canadian consumers. Canada is the United States' largest market for fresh market tomatoes, valued at $115 million in 2001," stated U.S. Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick.

"We are very pleased with this decision and look forward to improved trade between the United States and Canada," said Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman.

Background

Canadian tomato producers filed a dumping petition with the Canadian government against U.S. tomato growers shortly after the U.S. Department of Commerce found preliminary dumping by Canadian hothouse tomato growers last year. The U.S. International Trade Commission found that there was no injury to the U.S. hothouse tomato industry on April 5, 2002 which ended the dumping investigation against Canadian tomatoes. The action of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal ensures an open, zero tariff cross border trade in tomatoes.