China began on Tuesday an anti-dumping investigation against an imported chemical produced in the United States, the Republic of Korea and the Netherlands.

The Ministry of Commerce said in a statement that the investigation into the imported chemical - ethylene-propylene-non-conjugated diene rubber - which is mainly used in construction, wire and cable, and auto industries, will last about a year.

The investigation will cover whether dumping exists, the scope of dumping and damage it has caused if dumping is confirmed.

(Xinhua News Agency August 11, 2004)