3 Asian Nations Found to Be Dumping Sweaters in U.S.

Sweaters made of man-made fibers in Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan, representing more than a third of the U.S. market, are being sold at less than their fair market value, the Commerce Department said Monday.

The National Knitwear & Sportswear Assn. had filed complaints against the sweater manufacturers last September.

It said that the imports, made predominantly of acrylic fiber, represent 72% of the $1.3-billion U.S. market and that the three countries represent 55% of the imports.

The Commerce Department said the value of the sweaters imported from Hong Kong in 1989 was $208.8 million; from South Korea, $476.1 million, and from Taiwan, $485.5 million.

The department’s finding was preliminary. A final determination is due by July 5, it said.