In April 2024, the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) initiated an investigation into the alleged dumping of yeast classifiable under tariff subheading 2102.10, originating in or imported from Zimbabwe by Lesaffre Zimbabwe, a surprisingly unusual move against a fellow SADC member state. After a long-awaited decision, ITAC finally published the gazette finalizing its investigation on 14 February 2025, at the eleventh hour. This unique case garnered considerable attention, as it marks the first anti-dumping case against a SADC member state since the commission’s inception, raising questions about how the investigation would be handled. The investigation outcome establishes a precedent that could influence future investigations, creating new possibilities for arguing cases and incorporating price undertakings.
ITAC recommended imposing definitive anti-dumping duties on Lesaffre and other Zimbabwean producers but suspended these duties for five years, provided they adhere to a price undertaking agreement. If this agreement is broken, the definitive duties will be imposed immediately. These duties will be listed in the “rebate item” column of the Customs and Excise Act, preventing these products from being imported at a reduced customs duty rate without ITAC’s specific recommendation. The specific minimum price for exports out of Zimbabwe has not yet been published.
The commission found that Anchor Yeast’s application gave enough proof of dumping and harm to the local industry. The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition has since approved ITAC’s recommendations. If a sunset review is not initiated, the anti-dumping duties will lapse on 14 February 2030.