STOCK MARKET WATCH, Thursday, December 15, 2011

[Demeter]

58. U.S. auto imports face anti-dumping duties CHINA

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2011-12/15/c_131307166.htm

Anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties will be placed on vehicle imports from the United States for two years, the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday. The move is in accordance with domestic legislation and the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, and shows China is finally learning how to protect its interests under international trade rules, analysts said.

The ministry said in a statement on its website that it will start to impose taxes on cars and sports-utility vehicles made in the US with an engine capacity of more than 2.5 liters, from Dec 15, 2011 to Dec 14, 2013. "US vehicles benefiting from subsidies and dumping on the China market have substantially damaged China's auto industry," the statement said.

General Motors and Chrysler will be affected most by the duties. Anti-dumping duties on GM vehicles will stand at 8.9 percent and at 8.8 percent for Chrysler vehicles. GM vehicles will also face anti-subsidy duties of 12.9 percent while Chrysler vehicles will face 6.2 percent anti-subsidy duties. US units of German automaker BMW and Mercedes-Benz will also be hit by duties of 2.0 percent and 2.7 percent, respectively, according to the statement.

Currently, China imposes tariffs of 25 percent on imported passenger vehicles.