U.S. anti-dumping duties on pipes criticized by China

The U.S. International Trade Commission decision will affect Chinese exports worth about US$2.8 billion and is the biggest steel trade dispute in U.S. history.

“The Chinese side expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to this ruling,” the Commerce Ministry said in a statement. It called on Washington to “correct its mistake” and avoid trade protectionism.

The ITC voted Wednesday to impose duties of 10.36 percent to 15.78 percent on the pipes, used mostly in the oil and gas industries. That is intended to offset government subsidies it said China provides its steelmakers.

Beijing and Washington are embroiled in a string of disputes over access to each other's market for tires, pipes, movies and other goods. They have accused each other of improperly trying to support their producers despite a pledge by global leaders to avoid protectionism in response to the economic crisis.

The Chinese statement said that if the U.S. panel failed to take the crisis into account as the source of American companies' problems, “then it is a mistake to say Chinese oil pipes are harming U.S. producers.”

“Chinese exports of oil pipe to the United States cannot be causing injury or threats for U.S. producers” because the energy industry is growing and demand for pipe is rising, the statement said.

“The Chinese side urges the American side to face squarely the objective facts, take effective measures to correct its mistake, put forth a fair, just, reasonable ruling and keep its promise to oppose trade protectionism,” it said.

The ITC will decide in the spring whether to impose additional tariffs of up to 96 percent to penalize Chinese steelmakers for dumping.

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