Dominican Republic Senate lifts import tax on HFCS

Food & Drink Weekly, Dec 27, 2004

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said last week that the Senate in the Dominican Republic voted to lift its tax on imports of high fructose corn syrup. Grassley released the following statement:

"I am very pleased to learn that the Senate in the Dominican Republic has voted to lift its tax on imports of high fructose corn syrup. This sends an important signal that the Government of the Dominican Republic is willing and able to fulfill the obligations required to be a full partner in the Central American Free Trade Agreement. It also is extremely good news for the U.S. high fructose corn syrup industry, which would have been locked out of the Dominican Republic market had the tax remained in place. Earlier, I had expressed my deep concern over the imposition of this tax to Ambassador Zoellick and the Government of the Dominican Republic. I commend both parties for working diligently to take the steps necessary to get this issue resolved. I am exceptionally pleased that the Dominican Republic now appears to be close to taking all the steps necessary to rejoin the CAFTA."