The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) determined that there is a reasonable indication that the US industry is materially injured by imports of monosodium glutamate from China and Indonesia, which are allegedly subsidized and sold in the US at less than fair value. All six of the Commissioners voted in the affirmative to continue the anti dumping and countervailing duties investigations.

Monosodium glutamate is a white crystalline substance used by itself or in blends worldwide primarily as a flavor enhancer in savory foods, such as meat and fish, soups and broths, certain juices and beverages, frozen and ready-made foods, and sauces and dressings. It is sold in varying crystal sizes and is highly stable, odorless, and soluble in water. MSG is used in comparatively smaller volumes in nonfood products, such as detergents, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

The United States Commerce Department launched the antidumping and countervailing duties investigation on October 24 by the request from Ajinomoto North America Inc. The Petitioner alleged that monosodium glutamate exports from China and Indonesia are sold in the US market below its fair value, with dumping margin ranging from 64.77 – 204.69% and 50.32 – 58.67% respectively, and that producers from the two counties benefited from government subsidies.

The preliminary countervailing duty for this case is due around December 27, 2013 and its preliminary antidumping duty determination around March 12, 2014.