APIA & PVCA GET A4 PAPER TARIFFS DUMPED

In a major win, paper industry association APIA together with PVCA, have persuaded the government to lift the anti-dumping tariffs imposed on imported A4 copier papers.

The two associations partnered in an advocacy initiative into federal government and achieved success for industry with the minister granting a stay on the anti-dumping duty across A4 copy paper.

The tariff was brought in three years ago and affected A4 papers primarily imported from Brazil, China, Thailand and most Indonesian mills. It effectively handed the A4 copier market to Nippon Paper, and specifically its Maryvale mill, which saw its Reflex brand take 80 per cent of the market, with its other brands making up most of the rest.

However the Supreme Court ruling against Maryvale’s logging contractors at the end of last year spelt the end of graphic paper manufacturing in Australia, meaning that 200,000 tonnes of white paper had to be imported, half its copier paper. That copier paper though was 50 per cent more expensive than Reflex, thanks to the tariffs, which have now been lifted.

Nippon did not oppose the application by APIA and PVCA, as it is no longer manufacturing white papers. The Lottery and Newsagency Association, A&C Paper Group (hand and toilet towel importer) supported a public non-objection.

Kellie Northwood, CEO, PVCA, and executive director of APIA, said, “Given the disappointing closure of the manufacture of A4 copy paper and loss of some 200 jobs and 200,000 tonnes of copy paper from our local manufacturer, many members were being impacted by a loss of supply and with the duties and tariffs, an inflated price, to complete their orders across print, mail and related sectors using A4 Copy Paper. We responded with immediate collaboration and prompt communication.”

That exemption applies to A4 Copy Paper from all countries, and retrospectively took effect from 18 January, when Maryvale officially exited the market. The retrospective application means any importer who paid an anti-dumping duty post 18 January can receive a refund.

On 26 April the Australian Border Force granted a Tariff Concession Order (TCO) for imports of A4 paper under the Tariff Classification code 4802.56.10 (TCO number 2340588) operative from 9 February. All imports meeting the eligibility criteria detailed in the TCO description that enter Australia on or after this date are eligible for tariff free entry.

The Anti-Dumping Commissioner is now initiating revocation reviews to examine whether the antidumping measures are no longer warranted long-term.

Northwood said, “This is the second major win for the industry this year, partnering more strongly with like-minded industry bodies, like APIA, to ensure our industry is lobbying with a purpose to outcomes that benefit our members is a key strategic position we stand by. We continue to commit to that mandate for our members and continue to work closely with organisations like APIA on common agendas.

“I want to thank the team behind this – Charles Watson, GM – IR, Policy and Governance, as well as the APIA board office bearers who supported the arguments to the commissioner and minister. This is not the only matter before government, and to continue to secure these results is demonstrating the approach, logic and considered arguments to government is working for our industry’s benefit.”