KUALA LUMPUR: The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) will launch an anti-dumping duty investigation into steel wire rods originating from or exported by China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. 

In a statement today, MITI said the probe follows a petition filed by Southern Steel Bhd, a domestic producer, which alleges that imports from the countries are being sold at prices lower than domestic products.

Southern Steel also claims that the dumped imports have increased significantly causing material injury to the domestic industry, the ministry said.

The investigation was initiated under Section 20 of the Countervailing & Anti-Dumping Duties Act 1993 and Regulation 7 of the Countervailing & Anti-Dumping Duties Regulations 1994.

"A preliminary determination will be made within 120 days from the initiation date. If the preliminary determination is affirmative, the government will impose a provisional anti-dumping duty at the necessary rate to prevent further injury to the domestic industry," it said.

MITI will distribute questionnaires and relevant documents to interested parties, including importers, foreign exporters and producers from the alleged countries, their respective governments and relevant trade associations.

Other interested parties wishing to participate in the investigation must request the questionnaires in writing to MITI by Oct 25 and submit their views, responses, and supporting evidence by Nov 9.