China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said on Tuesday it regretted Canada's complaint filed with the World Trade Organization (WTO) about its anti-dumping duties on cellulose pulp from Canada.

China will deal with Canada's request for consultation according to the WTO dispute settlement procedures, an MOC official said in a statement.

China started to impose the duties on cellulose pulp imported from countries including Canada in 2014 after dumping was found and then decided to review the trade measure in August 2017 in response to a WTO ruling published four months ago.

The MOC announced in April that the anti-dumping duties would continue as the reinvestigation again confirmed substantial damages to the domestic industry due to the dumping.

China respects the WTO ruling and has completed the review in line with WTO rules, the official said.

Cellulose pulp, made from plant fiber, is used as a raw material in the production of viscose and acetate fiber.