U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) on Sept. 18 sponsored legislation that would increase the rate of duty on shrimp originating from India in an effort to protect Louisiana’s shrimp and catfish industries against India’s dumping of cheap shrimp and produce into American markets.
“People come from all over to try Louisiana gumbo, jambalaya, and shrimp and grits. That’s because our shrimpers and catfish farmers meet high standards,” Sen. Cassidy said. “By leveling the playing field, this bill protects Louisiana seafood and the jobs that depend on it.”
The senator introduced the India Shrimp Tariff Act, S. 2868, alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) to help put the U.S. industry on a more level playing field, he said.
During a Sept. 10 U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing, Sen. Cassidy secured a commitment from U.S. Deputy Under Secretary of the Treasury nominee Jonathan Greenstein to support Louisiana shrimp producers and oppose unfair trade practices hurting the state’s seafood industry.
“We’re giving money to the World Bank who gives money to another country for aquaculture, and then they dump their shrimp on us, putting us out of business,” said Sen. Cassidy during the hearing. “These egregious actions by international financial institutions are basically biased toward foreign competitors, who then dump into our market.”
Greenstein said the president is looking to address unfair practices hurting American businesses like shrimp dumping and that, if confirmed, he will work with Sen. Cassidy to combat such practices.
S. 2868 has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.