Firm News & Events

Barnes/Richardson Secures Win for Florida OJ

Feb. 13, 2006


On February 8, the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”) issued an affirmative final injury determination in an antidumping case filed by BR&C on behalf of all Florida orange growers and several juice producers.  Three Commissioners voted in the affirmative, clearing the way for the United States to continue to impose duties on imports of Brazilian orange juice.  On January 9, the Department of Commerce (“DOC”) determined that imports of the subject merchandise were sold in the United States at less than fair value, after a year-long investigation which attracted considerable opposition from foreign producers and exporters.  “This vote was a critical victory for thousands of Florida orange growers and the processors who support them,” said BR&C partner Matt McGrath, who directed the multi-disciplinary team of industry experts, attorneys, economists, and accountants throughout the concurrent investigations by the two agencies.  “The influx of cheap Brazilian orange juice, on top of hurricane damage and plant infestation, brought the industry to its knees, but this will help them compete fairly once again.”  As a result of the ITC’s affirmative determination, the DOC will impose antidumping duties up to 60% on imports of certain orange juice from Brazil.  Copies of the ITC’s report concerning this investigation will be available to the public after March 14, 2006.