WASHINGTON - Mexico has begun an apple dumping investigation into the imports of apples from the United States.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Washington shippers have 28 business days, until January 16, to submit details regarding sales and production costs for consideration by Economía Unidad de Prácticas Comerciales Internacionales (UPCI).

The investigation is in response to a petition submitted to UPCI by the Unión Agrícola Regional de Fruticultores del Estado de Chihuahua (UNIFRUT).  The USDA report claims that the petitioners “allege price discrimination and claim that U.S. apples are entering the Mexican market at below fair value.”

Todd Fryover, President of the Washington Apple Commission, tells AndNowUKnow that there may not be any implications in the short term. However, once the data from Washington growers has been collected, any anti-dumping duties probably wouldn’t be imposed until April or May, he notes.

Mexico has been widely regarded as a top export market for Washington apples with over 13 million cartons shipped in 2012. While some Washington growers have expressed their dismay about the investigation, they remain hopeful that the situation will come to a good conclusion for all.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for any further updates on the investigation.