18/04/2010

US: questions from CANADA on the US notification to the WTO of subsidies to fisheries

From the document G/SCM/Q2/USA/38 of 6 April 2010 titled "SUBSIDIES - Replies to Questions Posed by CANADA Regarding the New and Full Notification of the UNITED STATES"

Question 4

Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Programme: Fisheries R&D (page 38)

In an answer to Canada's question regarding the previous US notification, the United States mentioned that duties on fishery imports have increased over the past five years, meaning that the funding from other sources was not necessary. Canada would like to know if it is still the case, i.e. is duty revenue still sufficient to fund the programme?

Reply

Yes. The programme is capitalized through annual transfers by the Secretary of Agriculture to the Secretary of Commerce equal to 30 per cent of the gross receipts collected under the customs laws on imports of fish and fish products.

Question 8

Alaska's Commercial Fishing Revolving Loan Fund (page 65)

While it is stated that this fund provides long-term, low interest loans to commercial fishing businesses, details are not provided as to the exact type of fishing activities financed by this programme. Please provide details or examples.

Reply

While Article 25 does not require the level of detail asked for in the question, for transparency purposes, the United States provides the following answer. The Commercial Fishing Revolving Fund funds a variety of activities related to commercial fishing. Loans are made for purchasing gear and quota shares for Halibut and Sablefish. The state also makes loans to help fisherman satisfy past due federal tax obligations; makes loans to qualified Community Quota Entity communities to purchase quota shares; and makes loans for the purpose of improving the quality of seafood products.

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