Investigations had revealed substantial damage to Chinese industries had been caused by the dumping of polyvinyl chloride imported from those places, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.

The ministry made the initial judgment in line with results of the anti-dumping investigation initiated on Mar. 29, 2002, by relevant government departments.

The ministry required importers of polyvinyl chloride made in the areas under investigation to pay cash deposits to Chinese customs. The product is listed under "39041000" in the tariffs of the General Administration of Chinese Customs.

The Ministry of Commerce said final judgment on the issue would be made on the basis of further checks by the ministry.

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2003)