GENEVA - THE number of anti-dumping probes launched by trading nations against alleged unfairly-priced imports jumped 17 per cent in the second half of 2008, with China a key target, the WTO said on Monday.

Between July and December 2008, 15 World Trade Organisation member states initiated 120 new probes, compared to 103 during the same period in the second half of 2007.

'China was the most frequent subject of new investigations, with 34 new initiations directed at its exports,' said the trade body.

The European Union was the next most frequent target during the second half of 2008 with 14 new cases against its exports, followed by Taiwan, Thailand and the United States, which were hit with six new cases each.

Under WTO rules, countries may impose anti-dumping measures - normally a duty on imports of a particular product - after their investigations if the imported item is being sold for less than the 'normal' cost on its home market.

India was the biggest complainant during the July to December period, launching some 42 probes.

Brazil came next after having initiated 16 new probes, followed by China with 11.

The most contentious products were in the base metals sector which made up 43 new cases, followed by the chemicals sector with 22 probes and textile with 19. -- AFP