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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 10, 2004
Contact:
Travis Larkin, National Shrimp Industry Association, 305-860-6747
NATIONAL SHRIMP INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION PLEDGES SUPPORT
TO ASDA IN FIGHT AGAINST ANTIDUMPING SUIT
February 10, 2004-Vowing to give voice to the
thousands of domestic seafood processors and importers who will
be affected by the antidumping action filed by the Southern Shrimp
Alliance (SSA), the National Shrimp Industry Association (NSIA)
today announced financial support to the American Seafood Distributors
Association (ASDA).
The NSIA, founded in 1957, and ASDA both represent "the other
domestic industry" of companies including major processors,
importers, and others working to keep the domestic shrimpers in
business. Leaders of the NSIA are very concerned by the impact this
suit will have on its members and are lending its support to ASDA
to address the problems facing the domestic harvesting and processing
sector.
"One message that seems to get lost in this case is that there
is another domestic industry that will be deeply affected by this
case," said Travis Larkin, NSIA president. "In short,
the livelihoods of all our members - domestic processors, importers,
and many others - are at stake in this case, since our members work
to keep plants open and families employed. Member companies of NSIA
include five of the largest seafood processors in the United States.
They alone generate enormous economic activity - several hundred
million dollars - for this country and provide employment to thousands
of families.
"It used to be easy to classify a company as 'domestic' or
'importer' or 'processor,' but we would be hard pressed to shoe-horn
any company into one category today," Larkin remarked. "Recognizing
the unique dynamic of our global industry, we have enjoyed a strong
relationship with the American Shrimp Processors Association (ASPA)
for many years. In fact, many NSIA member companies provide imported
shrimp to ASPA and SSA member companies during the off-season to
keep plants open and families employed. Accordingly, we understand
the issues of this case, and feel strongly that we should strive
for solutions through joint efforts, not costly and damaging trade
action.
"Collectively, members of the National Shrimp Industry Association
and ASDA generate an estimated $9.8 billion in economic benefit
to the American economy and provide direct and indirect employment
of more than 100,000 jobs that all will be affected by this case,"
Larkin continued. "By pledging our support to ASDA, we are
hoping to find real, workable solutions and ultimately prevail to
save jobs."
"We are extremely pleased that the National Shrimp Industry
Association is lending its support to ASDA as we fight this antidumping
action," said Wally Stevens, president of ASDA. "From
the beginning, we have argued that the best way to address the problems
facing the domestic harvesting and processing sector is for them
to come face to face with the domestic distribution sector and work
together toward a common goal of having a healthy industry. With
support from allies such as the National Shrimp Industry Association,
we are confident that we will ultimately prevail and bring unity
to the industry through real solutions, gained by real dialogue."
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