Amcor launches anti-dumping drive

Amcor launches anti-dumping drive

SYDNEY (AFP): Australian paper and packaging group Amcor Ltd. has launched an anti-dumping action against 14 nations, including Indonesia, claiming that cheap imports have driven glossy paper prices down $500 (US$373) a ton.

Amcor subsidiary Australian Paper has named South Africa, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Finland, Indonesia, Taiwan, Germany, France, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland and The Netherlands in its action.

It is asking the Australian Anti-Dumping Authority to impose a duty on exporters that would lift the price of their paper up to the price charged in their domestic markets.

"We are facing up to substantial dumping - it's very predatory," said Arthur Williamson, a spokesman for Amcor's Australian Paper subsidiary.

Williamson said Australian Paper had alleged that the 14 nations were illegally dumping two-sided, coated, wood-free paper sheets weighing 75 to 150 grams, which is commonly used in glossy magazines, posters and books.

Williamson said in Thursday's Australian newspaper that the average price of such paper had collapsed from $1,850 a ton to $1,350.

This compared with $1,750 a ton being paid for relatively low- grade photocopying paper.

He said the volume of some Asian paper imports had trebled due to dumping.

Australian Paper holds about 20 percent of the Australian market for glossy paper, with imports accounting for the rest.