MSG imports from China, Indonesia harm U.S. producer

As a result of the ITC’s decision, the Commerce Department will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of these products from the two countries.    The U.S. International Trade Commission determined that a U.S. company is harmed by imports of monosodium glutamate (MSG) from China and Indonesia that the Commerce Department had also determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.
   As a result of the ITC’s decision, the Commerce Department will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of these products from the two countries.
   MSG is a white crystalline substance mostly used as a flavor enhancer in foods such as meat and fish, soups and broths, certain juices and beverages, frozen and ready-made foods, and sauces and dressings. 
   The petition for the investigation was filed by Ajinomoto North America of Itasca, Ill., which has a plant in Iowa. 
   The ITC estimated that U.S. MSG imports from China and Indonesia totaled $46.3 million in 2013, while from other countries were $4.9 million for the same period.