(Yicai Global) March 19 -- China will impose anti-dumping tariffs on imported methyl isobutyl ketone from South Korea, Japan and South Africa for five years at a rate of 16 percent to 190 percent starting tomorrow, China's commerce ministry announced in a final ruling today.

The rate will be 18.5 percent for Kumho P&B Chemicals Inc., but 32 percent for other South Korean companies. Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. will pay 48 percent, Mitsui Chemicals Inc. 45 percent, with 190 percent imposed on other Japanese firms.

Sasol Ltd. will suck up 16 percent, while other South African firms will suffer to the tune of 34 percent. The ministry resolved to start anti-dumping investigations on the imported products March 27, preliminarily finding dumping on Nov. 20 that it ruled caused substantial damage to China's domestic industry.

Methyl isobutyl ketone is a solvent and base used in cosmetics, paints and lacquers and a food-grade packaging adhesive.