BEIJING, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce has decided to impose anti-dumping duties on methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) from Japan, China's Taiwan and Singapore.

    Its final ruling in the case said these exports constitute dumping and have inflicted losses on local manufacturers.

    The duties take effect Nov. 22 and will replace interim penalties that were imposed on Aug. 9 this year. The rates will range from 9.6 percent to 66.45 percent, depending on the producer, the ministry said in an announcement.

    The duties will be in effect for five years, retroactive to the date of the preliminary ruling.

    China launched the anti-dumping investigation on Nov. 22, 2006,and the preliminary ruling came out on Aug. 8.

    MEK is a solvent widely used in making paints, dyes and lubricants.

    China's MEK consumption is expected to reach 240,000 tons next year, with more than half imported, according to the website of the China Engineering Consulting Association.