After a year-long investigation into allegations Italian producers of prepared or preserved tomato products were dumping and/or subsidising stock in Australia, the Anti-Dumping Commission has found three Italian exporters did so during the investigation period.
In its statement of essential facts (SEF) the commission outlined its preliminary findings that several Italian exporters – De Clemente Conserve, IMCA, and Mutti – exported products to Australia at dumped prices between 1 October 2023 and 30 September 2024. Dumping margins ranged from 2.3 to 5.5 per cent.
One major exporter, La Doria, was found not to have dumped goods, terminating investigations into its operations.
The investigation was launched in October 2024 following an application by SPC, which represents the largest share of Australian production.
While the Commissioner determined that all Italian exporters received some level of countervailable subsidies, the margins for De Clemente, IMCA, La Doria, Mutti and residual exporters were deemed negligible. Subsidy findings remain only for non-cooperative exporters, where margins reached 1.6 per cent.
It noted that Italian imports and local production supply the bulk of the Australian market, and consumer preferences for Italian origin and flavour, alongside price sensitivity, continue to shape demand.
SPC, Simplot and Safcol make up the Australian industry, with SPC’s data used as a key indicator of industry performance.
The commission found SPC experienced volume and price injury during the investigation period, including lost sales, reduced market share, price suppression, lower profitability and reduced capacity utilisation.
Overall industry sales volumes fell 13 per cent in the year prior to the investigation period and 20 per cent during the investigation period compared to the start of the injury period.
But the commissioner wasn’t satisfied the dumped or subsidised imports caused material injury to the industry, as required for measures to be imposed.
The report points to several contributing factors including Italian processors’ significant economies of scale – processing around 5.3 million tonnes of tomatoes in 2024 compared to 438,000 tonnes in Australia – higher Australian production costs, increased domestic competition, and strong consumer preference for Italian products.
The investigation will continue unless terminated, with interested parties invited to respond to the SEF within 20 days (from 12 November). The Commissioner’s final recommendations are due to the Minister for Industry and Innovation by 28 January 2026.
SPC Global managing director, Robert Iervasi, said the company respects the process but is disappointed with the initial findings.
“We remain committed to fair competition and ensuring a level playing field for Australian manufacturers and growers.
“SPC will continue to champion local growers, strengthening domestic food production, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Australian manufacturing. We take pride in producing high quality products enjoyed here and around the globe.
“We will review the Statement of Essential Facts in detail and will continue to engage constructively with the Commission through the remaining stages of the investigation.”
