BEIJING - The Ministry of Commerce announced Friday it will launch an anti-dumping probe into resorcinol imported from Japan and the United States.

A brief statement on the MOC's website said it will start investigating the dumping margin and possible damage to similar products and industries in China starting from March 23.

Resorcinol, or M-dihydroxybenzene, is an essential component used to manufacture tires and other fiber-reinforced rubber goods.