Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Cindy Hyde-Smith, along with their colleagues, have successfully secured a victory for U.S. catfish producers as the Commerce Department reverses a decision that favored Vietnam. The initial decision would have significantly reduced antidumping duties on imported catfish from companies controlled by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Senator Katie Britt expressed her gratitude towards Senator Hyde-Smith for their joint effort, stating, “I’m grateful to Senator Hyde-Smith for leading this effort and join her in applauding this victory for hardworking American catfish farmers and processors." She emphasized the importance of this reversal in defending the domestic farm-raised catfish markets against unfair dumping practices.

Senator Hyde-Smith highlighted the significance of the Commerce Department's decision, stating, “The Commerce Department actually heeded our warnings and the rescission of this review is a clear victory for the U.S. catfish industry, which is so important to Mississippi and other rural states."

The Federal Register notice published on Thursday confirmed that the administration is abandoning the preliminary decision, reinstating the $2.39/kg antidumping duty rate on shipments of catfish from government-controlled companies in Vietnam. This decision will continue to deter shipments from companies that violate human rights and compromise public health.

The joint efforts of Senators Britt and Hyde-Smith, along with their colleagues, including Senators Roger Wicker, John Boozman, Bill Cassidy, Tom Cotton, John Kennedy, and Tommy Tuberville, have played a crucial role in advocating for the protection of U.S. catfish producers against unfair trade practices.