Chinese polyester fibre makers are facing one of the largest recent dumping charges from the United States, according to an industrial association.

The US International Trade Association in June received complaints from US producers, saying Chinese polyester fibres were being sold on the US market at prices lower than their normal value.

The complainants say this has hurt the US industry, officials from the China Chamber of Commerce for the Import and Export of Textiles said yesterday.

"It is the largest US dumping claim China has encountered since the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on textile disputes last year," said Cao Xinyu, vice-chairman with the chamber of commerce.

The investigation by the US Government will cover imports between last October and this March.

The complaints were filed by DAK Americas, Nan Ya Plastics Corp America and Wellman.

They asked the US Government to impose anti-dumping duties on imports from more than 100 Chinese producers, such as Sanfangxiang and Sinopec.

The fibres are used as stuffing in sleeping bags, mattresses, bedding and furniture.

Similar Chinese products are also currently the subject of anti-dumping measures in the European Union.

Lawyers specializing in dumping charges called on domestic enterprises to make an active response to the investigation because otherwise they were likely to be kicked out of the US market.

The European Union's punitive duties have deprived most of these firms of access to European markets.

(China Daily July 6, 2006)