SCHUMER RENEWS CALL ON COMMERCE DEPARTMENT TO ASSIST NEW YORK APPLE GROWERS

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today reiterated his request that the United States Department of Commerce issue its decision regarding apple juice concentrate imports from China. October 5 is the earliest date that the Department of Commerce has said that they could make t heir decision on the dumping petition filed by US Apple on June 7.

"I am deeply concerned about the continuing negative impact of cheap apple juice concentrate imports from China on our apple growers and processors," said Schumer. "Our farmers cannot afford to embark upon another crop year without relief from the devastating economic effects of belowcost, apple juice concentrate imports from China."

Imports of apple concentrate have increased dramatically over the past three years. The US Department of Commerce has reported a 953% increase from China since 1995. Coupled with this drastic increase in volume, the price of apple juice concentrate imports from China has dropped by 53% over the past three years. Combined, these factors make it nearly impossible for American apple farmers to remain competitive.

"In September, I joined 20 of my Senate colleagues in a letter to Commerce Secretary William H. Daley asking that duties be imposed upon Chinese concentrate imports," said Schumer. "I hope that as the time for the decision draws near, the Commerce Department takes into account the devastating effect these unfair trade practices have had upon our farmers."

"In New York State, the price of juice apples has dropped by as much as 93% and our growers have lost an estimated $92 million," said Schumer. "Our apple producers are in jeopardy, and I urge the Department of Commerce to make every effort to assist the apple industry in its efforts to remain competitive in the face of potentially unfair foreign competition."

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