Rice: Madagascar investigates impact of imports on its production
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on 2424.mg
The National Authority in charge of trade corrective measures (ANMCC) is assessing whether the rise in rice imports is seriously harming the national sector. After Sofia and Boeny, its investigators are now gathering data in Vakinankaratra, as part of a safeguard investigation opened on 31 August, according to 2424.mg.
The National Authority in charge of trade corrective measures (ANMCC) is continuing its safeguard investigation in Madagascar into the effect of rising rice imports on local production. After visits to the Sofia and Boeny regions, its investigators are currently gathering data in Vakinankaratra, according to 2424.mg.
The investigations cover, in particular, volumes produced, prices, operating costs, stocks and processing capacities, gathered from producers, rice mills, collectors and farmers' organisations. The ANMCC must determine whether the rise in imports is seriously harming, or risks seriously harming, the national sector, and establish the circumstances behind this increase, according to 2424.mg.
The authority must also assess the effect of any possible restriction on imports on market supply and purchasing power, rice being the main staple food in Madagascar. Importers, distributors and consumers are invited to take part in the investigation, according to the ANMCC.
The safeguard investigation was opened on 31 August and notified to the World Trade Organization on 2 September, according to 2424.mg. Any measure that may be taken must be based on data establishing a link between the rise in imports and the difficulties faced by local producers.
