‘Dumping’ of New Zealand Lamb Probed

WASHINGTON — The Commerce Department said it has made a preliminary determination that New Zealand lamb imports are being subsidized by about 12 cents per pound by the New Zealand government.

U.S. Customs will require a cash deposit or bond of that amount on lamb meat imported from New Zealand pending a final determination of the case.

New Zealand lamb meat imports to the United States last year were valued at nearly $10.8 million.

The Commerce Department announcement said it concluded that “a number of New Zealand programs, primarily price support programs, provide subsidies on New Zealand exports of lamb meat to the United States.”

The investigation that led to the finding was initiated in April after American Lamb Co., Denver Lamb Co. and Iowa Lamb Corp. filed a petition on behalf of U.S. lamb growers alleging that New Zealand was subsidizing imports.

Commerce must make a final determination by Sept. 3. The case then goes to the International Trade Commission and, finally, to President Reagan for a final decision on whether to impose restrictions.