Vietnam expects the US International Trade Commission (ITC) will make an objective and fair decision over frozen warm-water shrimp imported from the Southeast Asian nation, in line with the spirit of free and fair trade as well as growing economic and trade ties between the two countries.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Luong Thanh Nghi made the statement at a press briefing in Hanoi on August 22 in response to queries about Vietnam ’s stance on the US Department of Commerce’s final decision to impose counterprevailing duties on its frozen shrimp imports.

“Over the past many years, the shrimp sector in Vietnam has operated in line with market mechanisms without enjoying any Government subsidy,” he noted.

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) earlier voiced its objection to the US ’s decision issued on August 12, under which Vietnamese frozen shrimp entering the country is subject to a 7.9 percent anti-subsidy duty.

The decision will take effect when it gets approval from the ITC. Ballots will be cast on September 19.-VNA