Brazil Dismisses Dumping Allegations Against Uruguayan Milk Powder

Brazil has resolved to close the case concerning alleged dumping by Uruguayan milk powder exporters, marking the end of a process that was initially advocated by the Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil (CNA). The investigation had gained momentum following a technical analysis by the Department of Commercial Defense (Decom), which scrutinized the imports of the product. The final decision, however, was made by the Executive Management Committee (Gecex), which is composed of various sectors of the Brazilian government.

According to official sources, Gecex decided not to pursue the complaint further and closed the case. Brazilian authorities cited 'general interest reasons' for their decision not to impose import duties. Initially, the complaint targeted Argentine milk powder exports but eventually included those from Uruguay as well.

Throughout the process, the governments of Uruguay and Argentina expressed their concerns to the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Antidumping Practices Committee, advocating for the regional dairy trade. Following the resolution, Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi welcomed the decision, praising both the efforts of the Uruguayan Foreign Ministry and the responsiveness of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The resolution effectively eliminates a source of uncertainty for the regional dairy market and maintains open access for Uruguayan milk powder to the Brazilian market.