The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has launched an investigation into allegations that synthetic fiber firms in Taiwan and other four countries were dumping their products on the U.S. market at unfairly low prices, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

The investigation will examine whether fine denier polyester staple fiber (denier PSF) exporters in Taiwan, China, Vietnam, South Korea and India had dumped their products on the U.S. market, causing material damage to American competitors, the MOEA said, citing a notice issued by the Department of Commerce on June 21.

The probe was launched after DAK Americas LLC; Nan Ya Plastics Corp., America; and Auriga Polymers Inc. filed petitions with the DOC and the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), requesting investigations into the alleged dumping.

On July 17 the USITC will issue a preliminary ruling on whether denier PSF exporters in the five countries had caused damage to American companies.

If USITC rules against the five countries, the DOC on Nov. 7 will issue a preliminary decision on anti-dumping tariffs, and will hand down the final ruling on June 22 next year, the MOEA added.

The MOEA said it will offer assistance to the Taiwanese companies, if necessary, and it suggested that they seek legal help.

The companies can apply for subsidies provided by the government, through the Taiwan Man-Made Fiber Industries Association (TMMFA), to retain lawyers and accountants to handle the case, the MOEA said.

In addition, the MOEA also advised the companies to respond to the DOC's questions as soon as possible to protect their interests.

According to DOC data, Taiwan was the sixth largest supplier of denier PSF supplier to the U.S. in 2016, after China, Germany, India, Vietnam and South Korea.

Taiwan's denier PSF exports to the U.S. totaled US$16.10 million in 2014, US$12.43 million in 2015 and US$9.58 million in 2016, accounting for 10.6 percent, 7.13 percent and 5.92 percent, respectively, of the U.S.' total imports of the product, the data showed.

In addition to the current anti-dumping probe, the DOC is also investigating allegations that the governments of China and India were providing denier PSF exporters with improper subsidies.