Trade Court Remands More Vietnamese Shrimp
Duty Rates Over Forced Labor
The United States Court of International Trade issued a slip opinion that remanded shrimp duty rates calculated for Vietnamese exporters from its eighth period of review back to the United States Department of Commerce. The rates covered shipments made from February 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013. Domestic shrimpers raised the issue of forced labor in Bangladesh's supply chain as a reason why Commerce must provide more information about its calculations and if Bangladesh should have been used as a surrogate economy when the eight review rates were calculated. In March, the domestic shrimp industry successfully petitioned the Court to remand shrimp duty rates for Vietnamese exporters from its ninth review back to Commerce also because of the use of Bangladesh and its labor problems.
Ocean Choice International is overhauling its shrimp trawler the Katsheshuk II so it can start fishing for groundfish. OCI committed to the $8 million renovations since Newfoundland's coldwater shrimp quotas were cut sharply for the upcoming season. "Our purpose now is to focus on red fish and some other species, but yes, definitely, when we built this vessel we expected cod to increase in the future," said Blaine Sullivan, COO at OCI.
In other news, Southwind Foods has reached an agreement to acquire Galaxy Foods and Equator Seafood. The two companies will merge into Southwind’s operations, which are based in Carson, California. Southwind distributes seafood products under the Great American Seafood brand among others. "We think this merger will result in additional distribution channels for us as well as an opportunity to collaborate with the excellent management teams at Galaxy and Equator about exciting new ideas for our companies,” said Buddy Galletti, CEO of Southwind Foods, LLC.
Meanwhile, the Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association (APICDA) announced that Grant Mirick has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Luke Fanning has accepted the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). "We are very happy to have such a strong and solid leadership team in place. Grant has played a vital role in strengthening our processing operations in Alaska and Kent, Washington. Luke brings a solid background in banking and finance," said Larry Cotter, APICDA CEO.
Finally, a developer aligned with the New Boston Food Market cooperative has won the bidding for a 3.4-acre site at the the city's marine industrial park, now known as the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park, in South Boston. “This was a unique opportunity ... we had to pursue in order to control our own destiny," said Michael Vaughan, a representative for the wholesalers. “This is an important first step. We're grateful the city chose us. By providing new facilities, these businesses will be able to grow."
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