The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) on Monday ruled in favor of U.S. producers of polyester staple fiber over alleged dumping charges against Chinese exporters.

The ITC determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of certain polyester staple fiber from China that are allegedly sold in the U.S. at less than fair value, said a statement issued by the organization.

All six commissioners voted in the affirmative, it added.

The U.S. producers complained that the weight of imports of the specified Chinese polyester fiber surged 161 percent between 2003 and 2005. Chinese shipments accounted for 39 percent of all imports in the latest 12-month period, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

As a result of the commission's affirmative determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its anti-dumping investigation of imports of certain polyester staple fiber from China, with its preliminary determination due on or about Nov. 30, 2006.

Once the U.S. Department of Commerce makes its preliminary determination, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will begin to require importers to pay a cash deposit or post a bond equal to the estimated dumping margin. The entire investigative process takes approximately one year. Final determinations of injury and dumping will occur in mid-2007.

Certain polyester staple fiber is a man-made fiber, similar in appearance to cotton or wool. Certain polyester staple fiber principally is specified for its "loft" or "fill" characteristic and is generally used as filling or stuffing. The majority of certain polyester staple fiber is used in sleeping bags, mattresses, ski jackets, comforters, cushions, pillows, and furniture.

Source: Xinhua