China hit by biggest anti-dumping charge yet

The US Department of Commerce on Friday imposed preliminary anti-dumping duties ranging up to nearly 200% on US$1.2 billion of furniture coming in from China, the largest anti-dumping case brought by the US against Chinese manufacturers. The move follows charges by Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry that the Bush administration has not been aggressive enough in enforcing US trade laws to protect American jobs. A coalition of US furniture makers and labor unions sought duties of up to 441%.