Sweaters of manufactured fibers in Taiwan are...

Sweaters of manufactured fibers in Taiwan are being sold in the United States at less than fair market value, the Commerce Department says.

The National Knitwear & Sportswear Assn. in New York filed complaints last September against sweater makers in South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The department ruled against manufacturers in Hong Kong on July 21 and in South Korea on Aug. 3.

The findings clear the way for the International Trade Commission to determine whether the products are harming U.S. industry. If the commission finds that U.S. firms are being damaged, the government can impose duties on the imports to make their prices comparable to those of U.S. companies.

The department said imports represent 72% of the $1.3-billion U.S. market, and the three countries represent 55% of the imports. It added that the value of the sweaters imported from South Korea in 1989 was $476.1 million; from Hong Kong, $208.8 million, and Taiwan, $485.5 million.

The imports are made mostly of acrylic fiber. Sweaters containing at least 23% wool are excluded.