WASHINGTON - The United States decided on Thursday to levy anti-dumping duty on xanthan gum imported from China.

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) claimed that the domestic industry was threatened or materially injured by imports of xanthan gum from China, setting the stage for the Commerce Department to impose punitive duty on these products.

The Commerce Department alleged on May 29 that Chinese producers and exporters sold xanthan gum in the US market at dumping margins ranging from 15.09 percent to 154.07 percent.

It said that imports of xanthan gum from China were valued at an estimated $82.4 million in 2012.

Xanthan gum is used as a thickener and stabilizer in three major sectors, namely, food and beverage, consumer and pharmaceutical products, and oilfield and industrial use.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has repeatedly urged the United States to abide by its commitment against trade protectionism and work together with China and other members of the international community to maintain a free, open and just international trade environment.