BEIJING, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said Monday it would extend anti-dumping duties on phthalic anhydride imported from the Republic of Korea, Japan and India for another five years after review investigation.

    Phthalic anhydride is an important industrial chemical mainly used in the mass production of plasticizers for plastics

    The imported phthalic anhydride would cause damage to Chinese industries should anti-dumping duties be lifted, said the ministry.

    The duties took effect Monday.

    On Jan. 7, China imposed anti-dumping measures on phthalic anhydride to offset negative impact on domestic producers.