On May 7, the World Trade Organization (WTO) published data showing that the number of antidumping investigations launched by trading nations against alleged unfairly-priced imports increased by 17 percent in the second half of 2008, with China a key target.
Between July and December 2008, 15 WTO member states initiated 120 new investigations, compared to 103 in the second half of 2007.
"China was the most frequent subject of new investigations, with 34 new initiations directed at its exports," said the WTO in its report.
The European Union was the next most frequent target during the second half of 2008 with 14 new cases against its exports, followed by Taiwan, Thailand and the United States, which were hit with six new cases each.
Under WTO rules, countries may impose antidumping measures after their investigations if the imported item is being sold for less than the normal cost on its home market.
India was the biggest complainant during the July to December period, launching some 42 investigations.
Brazil came next after having initiated 16 new probes, followed by China with 11.
In addition, the most contentious products were in the base metals sector which made up 43 new cases.