BEIJING -- China will extend its anti-dumping duties on spandex yarn imported from Japan, Singapore, the United States, the Republic of Korea and the region of Taiwan for another five years, the Ministry of Commerce announced on Friday.

The duties, effective from Saturday, will range from zero to 61 percent, according to a statement posted on the ministry's website.

China first imposed anti-dumping duties on imported spandex in 2006 for five years.

There was a possibility of further dumping activities from these areas if the duties were lifted, prompting the ministry to extend anti-dumping measures for another five years, the statement said.

Spandex, also known as elastane or polyurethane, is mainly used in producing clothes, swimming suits, sportswear, knitwear, underwear, socks and bandages for medical use.