WASHINGTON — Gulf Coast fishermen and seafood processors asked trade regulators on Tuesday to continue tariffs against some foreign shrimp, arguing that the levies are critical to the local industry’s survival.
The U.S. International Trade Commission heard testimony for some 7½ hours from supporters and opponents of import taxes on shrimp from Brazil, China, India, Thailand and Vietnam.
In a joint letter to the commission, Sens. Richard Shelby, R-Tuscaloosa, and Jeff Sessions, R-Mobile, asked that the tariffs, which have been in place for five years, be extended for another five years.
“Revocation of these orders will cause significant harm to the shrimp industry in Alabama and across the nation,” said the letter, dated Friday.
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