Anti-dumping duties imposed on frozen potato chip imports

JOHANNESBURG - Importing potato chips is going to become costlier as the SA Revenue Service imposes anti-dumping duties on frozen potato chips.

READ: Potato Nation raises alarm on overpricing of spuds

An investigation into customs tariffs conducted by the International Trade Administration Commission found the Southern African Customs Union was not benefiting from the cheap imports from producers in Europe.

It was discovered that frozen potato chips from parts of Europe including Germany and Belgium were being dumped into the local market at prices cheaper than in their own countries.

The cheap imports put pressure on the local market.

Producers have lost market share and jobs have been impacted.

South Africa's potato industry says it welcomes the decision as it will allow local producers to participate in the market, supplying fries to establishments like restaurants and takeaways.