Taiwan's MOF to Again Anti-dump Tax on China-made Towels

Although Taiwan's imposition of 204.1% anti-dumping taxes on China-made towels expired in May, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) plans to continue the tax for another five years.

The MOF began imposing anti-dumping taxes on towels from China, the first of its kind, on June 1, 2006 for five years, which has not deterred Chinese suppliers according to a recent investigation by the MOF.

The Customs Tariff Commission under the MOF said China-made towels are dumped in Taiwan to unfairly compete against local makers with extremely low prices.

The MOF noted Chinese towel makers guilty of dumping will pay 204.1% anti-dumping tax during the interim period.

A survey by the MOF shows Taiwan's towel makers have markedly elevated market shares and capacities after the imposition of anti-dumping taxes.

The Department of Customs Administration said China-made towels commanded 42.8% of Taiwan's market before anti-dumping tax was levied, but only 17.2% by the end of last year; while domestic manufacturer's annual capacities increased to 1.93 million kilograms from 1.147 million with market share rising to 37.4% from a mere 14%.

On May 31 this year, the MOF investigated dumping of China-made towels to evaluate launching another round anti-dumping taxes.