WASHINGTON - The Commerce Department on Tuesday announced final dumping margins on imports of monosodium glutamate, a flavor enhancer, from China and Indonesia, paving the way for the US government to impose punitive duties on the products in the months ahead.

The department made its affirmative final determination that these products from China and Indonesia were sold at dumping margins of 8.30 percent to 8.32 percent, and 6.19 percent, respectively.

Punitive duties would be imposed after the US International Trade Commission (ITC) makes an affirmative final ruling, which is scheduled for Nov 6. If the ITC makes a negative determination, the investigations will be terminated.

The investigations were made in response to a request from Ajinomoto North America Inc, the US unit of Japan's Ajinomoto Co that produces food and chemical products including monosodium glutamate and pharmaceuticals.

Imports of these products from China and Indonesia were estimated at about $33.5 million and 6 million last year, respectively, according to US official data.

As the US economy is undergoing a slow recovery, Washington has increasingly resorted to protectionist practices. Beijing has repeatedly urged Washington to honor its commitment against protectionism and work with China to maintain a free, open and just trade environment.