China yesterday said it is to launch an anti-dumping probe into the import of the chemical L-lysine monohydrocyloride, used in foodstuff making, from the United States, South Korea and Indonesia.
Anti-dumping is an international practice to protect domestic industries by preventing imported products from being sold at a price much lower than the costs.
The investigation is expected to be concluded in a year although it could be extended to 18 months if necessary, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation (MOFTEC).
MOFTEC and the General Administration of Customs would try to find out whether dumping is being carried out and decide on the extent of the problem if it is.
The State Economic and Trade Commission will work with relevant departments of the State Council to decide whether import from the three countries has damaged domestic industries.
The tariff codes of the investigated product are 29224110 and 29224190 at customs, said the MOFTEC statement.
This is the seventh anti-dumping case against foreign producers that China has undertaken.
The other six involved press paper, cold-rolled silicon steel sheet, polyester film, the cool-rolled stainless steel sheet, acrylic polyester and carrene.
China has decided to levy anti-dumping taxes in three of these cases: the press paper, the cold-rolled silicon steel sheet and the polyester film.
(China Daily 06/20/2001)