BEIJING, March 1 -- Chinese activated carbon manufacturers may lose their US market due to hefty anti-dumping duties, a situation experts said reflects exporters' lack of awareness.

The US Department of Commerce on Monday charged Chinese steam-activated carbon manufacturers with dumping in the United States, imposing duties ranging between 62.08 percent and 228.11 percent.

The punitive duties were much higher than the rates announced last October in preliminary rulings 13.78 percent on three enterprises, 49.09 percent on five and 72.5 to 84.45 percent on other enterprises that responded to the case.

Yu Shengxing, a lawyer representing the Chinese exporters, said he was not satisfied with the outcome.

He acknowledged that the United States does not regard China as a market economy and that under World Trade Organization rules Chinese firms must compare costs with a third country.

But he said the duties will constitute a key barrier to the companies and those facing the highest tariffs are likely to lose their US market.

"Most of the enterprises involved are small," Yu said. "Some were reluctant to respond because they do not fully understand the requirements and impact of anti-dumping cases."

Activated carbon can be used to filter impurities from wastewater, sewage and industrial emissions.

The US investigation resulted from industry complaints alleging that imports of Chinese products created a competitive disadvantage for US companies.

The tariffs may be collected for up to five years if the US International Trade Commission determines that its domestic industry is being injured by dumping.

US players said the tariff would account for the difference between the fair price of the product and the price Chinese companies are selling it for.

US activated carbon maker Calgon Carbon said in a statement: "We are very pleased with the announcement and look forward to the market moving toward fair prices that more accurately reflect both demand and manufacturing costs for our products."

Some 70 percent of China's total activated carbon output goes to the overseas market and Chinese products account for half of the US market.

The United States initiated three anti-dumping investigations against Chinese products in 2006. The US Department of Commerce is scheduled to publish the final rulings in the case against Chinese polyester staple fiber in April.

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