The U.S. Commerce Department on Friday preliminarily determined that China and Indonesia sold monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is often used as a food flavoring, on the U.S. market at less than fair value, signaling that it may impose punitive duties on the product.

The U.S. Commerce found the products from China and Indonesia were sold at dumping margins of 52.24 percent to 52.27 percent, and 5.61 percent, respectively. The finding, however, is only preliminary, and the department has until September to make a final determination.

Punitive duties would be imposed after both the Commerce and the United States International Trade Commission (USITC), an independent quasi-judicial federal agency, make affirmative final rulings. The USITC is expected to make a final decision in November.

The investigations were in response to a request from Ajinomoto North America Inc., the U.S. unit of Japan's Ajinomoto Co. that produces food and chemical products including MSG, and pharmaceuticals, the department said in a statement.

In 2013, imports of MSG from China and Indonesia were valued at an estimated 33.5 million U.S. dollars and 6 million dollars respectively, according to the U.S. Commerce data.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has repeatedly urged the United States to abide by its commitment against protectionism and work together with China and other members of the international community to maintain a free, open and just international trade environment.