KL probes PVC dumping by rivals

KL probes PVC dumping by rivals

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia has launched a probe into
allegations that Thailand, South Korea and Singapore were dumping
polymer-vinyl chloride (PVC) floor coverings at below-market
prices here, officials said yesterday.

The international trade and industry ministry (MITI) received
a petition from an unidentified firm alleging that local
manufacturers of the product were losing out to such cheap
imports from the three countries.

"We are now investigating the complaint before taking further
action," a trade official said.

According to the petition, the PVC floor coverings were being
sold in Malaysia at a price much lower than that at which they
are sold in the exporting countries.

MITI said in a statement the petitioner had also stated and
provided evidence that the imports from the three countries
increased significantly in terms of absolute quantity and market
share.

The firm reported to MITI it was unable to increase the price
of its products although the cost to make and sell them had risen
substantially.

According to the Countervailing and Anti-dumping Duties Act
and its related regulations that came into force April 28, last
year, a preliminary determination will be made within 90 days
after the probe is initiated on whether there is enough ground
for the publication of a dumping duty notice for the product.

The government may impose an anti-dumping duty at a level that
would eliminate dumping if there are sufficient grounds for its
imposition, MITI said.