The Ministry of Trade and Industry has said that anti-dumping fines on four Saudi export brands out of a total of 10 brands continue to be imposed, adding that Saudi Arabia is one of the foremost Arab countries being investigated and fined.

In a report, the ministry clarified that the Kingdom faced 26 investigations, of which many were closed, with four cases still pending.

The United Arab Emirates came second on a regional level, with 21 cases pending and 11 anti-dumping fines levied.

China leads the list of countries being targeted by anti-dumping laws, with 916 cases against it and 664 fees imposed on its imports. This is followed by South Korea, with 306 investigations and 181 fines.

The report said chemical and petrochemical industries in Saudi Arabia and the Arab countries are one of the biggest industries being affected by investigations and fines. This is followed by textiles, steel, plastics and rubber.

It said the iron and steel sector is the biggest productive sector being subjected to investigation, followed by petrochemicals.

Mohammad Al-Kathiri, secretary-general of Foreign Trade, quoted the ministry's report as saying the Kingdom has suffered from the protectionist policies of certain countries, which accused Saudi Arabia of resorting to dumping. The charges were later proved false.

At the opening of a consultative meeting of the International Chamber of Commerce, Saudi Arabia emphasized its keenness on trade liberalization and its wish to abide by World Trade Organization rules.