China decided to levy anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on sedans and sport-utility vehicles with engines of 2.5 liters and above imported from the United States, after an investigation showed evidence of dumping.

Effective December 15, importers of related vehicles from the United States are required to set aside deposits with Chinese customs ranging from 2 percent to 12.9 percent according to the level of dumping and the subsidies U.S. carmakers received from their government.

U.S. carmakers, including General Motors and Chrysler Group, have received government subsidies and dumped their vehicles into the Chinese market, which has harmed China's auto industry, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.

The duties will expire on December 14, 2013.