CELAYA, Mexico – The Mexican Ministry of Economy determined that dumping conditions on US imports of chicken leg quarters do exist, according to an announcement from Bachoco S.A.B. de C.V. The investigation ensued after the Ministry was approached by three Mexico-based poultry-processing companies (Bachoco, S.A. de C.V., Productos Agropecuarios de Tehuacan, S.A. de C.V. and Buenaventura Grupo Pecuario, S.A. de C.V.) to initiate an anti-dumping investigation relating to the import of US chicken leg quarters to Mexico. The companies requested the initiation of an anti-dumping investigation relating to unfair practices in the form of price discrimination.

In its preliminary ruling, the Ministry concluded pricing of the imports included margins ranging from 62.90 percent to 129.77 percent, which served to damage the Mexican poultry industry. It was noted that the “interested parties” desire to reach an agreement, which is why the Ministry opted not to establish anti-dumping duties as the investigation continues. The Ministry also announced plans to establish a 30-business-day comment period during which additional information and arguments relating to the case can be provided.

According to a press release, Bachoco, Patsa and Buenaventura, are working to protect the poultry industry in Mexico. “These three companies continue to provide poultry products to the Mexican population, an important and affordable source of protein, as well as seeking terms for access of Mexican chicken products to the United States, creating true commercial interactions within the NAFTA region,” the release said.