The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has issued a preliminary determination of "dumping" by Japanese outboard engine manufacturers, and has ordered a 22.52 percent import bond be posted for each Japanese engine brought into the United States, according to a press release being distributed by Mercury Marine. The DOC's ruling follows an investigation launched earlier this year after U.S.-based Mercury Marine filed a petition with the DOC and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). "We are pleased the Commerce Department's investigation has confirmed Mercury's contention that Japanese outboard engine makers have been violating U.S. anti-dumping laws by engaging in unfair pricing practices during the past several years.