CUSTOMS has ruled Greek currants are being dumped in Australia, selling for well below what they do in their homeland.
In a big win for the Australian dried fruit industry, Customs' Statement of Essential Facts report found growers and local processors had suffered price depression and suppression, loss of sales and unprofitable returns because of the dumped product.
The report follows an official complaint by the Australian Dried Fruit Association, understood to have cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Growers have long been furious at the dumping of Greek currants in Australia, which they say forced down prices offered by Sunbeam and sent some growers to different industries.
Customs found the currants were being dumped at up to 80 per cent less than what they are sold for in Greece.
The decision paves the way for Minister for Home Affairs Bob Debus to decide what anti-dumping action will take place.
In the past, action has included applying a price penalty to the dumped product.
ADFA general manager Phil Chidzey said the statement was "excellent news" but warned the battle was not over.
"What it's going to mean in the marketplace is yet to be decided," Mr Chidzey said.
"It's been a major process and a major effort, and we're pleased with the progress."
A spokeswoman for Mr Debus said the report would go to industry groups for consultation before a final copy was given to the Minister on December 19.
The last time produce was deemed to have been dumped in Australia was November, 2006, following an investigation into cheap pineapple from China, the Philippines and Thailand.
