China extends spandex anti-dumping duties on Taiwan, other countries

18/10/2012 12:00 - 432 Views

Taipei, Oct. 13 (CNA) China has decided to extend anti-dumping tariffs imposed on spandex fiber exporters from Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and the United States for another five years.

In an announcement released Friday, China's Ministry of Commerce said if the ministry lifts the tariff penalties, further dumping activity from these regions is likely to take place.

The anti-dumping tariff extension went into effect Saturday following the approval of the Customs Tariffs Commission at China's State Council, the ministry said.

Spandex yarn, also known as Lycra in the textile industry, is a synthetic fiber which has exceptional elasticity. The fiber is used in a wide range of products, including athletic, aerobic, and exercise clothing, swimming suits, socks, leggings and even surgical bandages.

Lycra was first produced in 1959 by U.S.-based chemical firm DuPont.

In October 2006, the ministry imposed anti-dumping duties of up to 61 percent on Lycra exporters from these regions for five years in a bid to deter dumping activity.

The ministry launched an investigation on Oct. 13, 2011 into whether the anti-dumping duties could be lifted.

As a result of the probe, the ministry decided to continue with the measure, concluding that anti-dumping activity were likely to continue if the penalties were terminated.

2012/10/13 14:25:32

By Tsai Su-jung and Frances Huang

Source: focustaiwan.tw