General News
11/6/2009 6:13 AM ET
(RTTNews) -
The US Commerce Department has imposed anti-dumping tariffs of up to 99% on imports of Chinese oil-well pipes, known as OCTG (oil country tubular goods).
The latest in a series of trade disputes between the two countries has evoked criticism by Beijing, which called the move an "abuse of protectionist measures".
The department alleged Chinese producers and exporters had been selling its oil-well pipes in the United States at prices that were much lower than normal, some discounting it up to 99.14 per cent less than normal value.
The punitive measure is in response to complaints the Commerce Department received from US companies and the United Steelworkers (USW) union requesting it to examine Chinese under-pricing of the tubes, which include a variety of steel and iron products.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry said that China "firmly opposes the abuse of protectionism and will take measures to seriously protect the interests of the domestic industry." The United States' "discriminatory" steps would seriously affect the Chinese steel industry's exports, it added.
Last month, the US government imposed punitive duties of up to 35% on imports of Chinese-made tires. Beijing responded with an "anti-dumping" inquiry into imported US car parts and chicken meat products.
In an apparent retaliation, China Monday imposed up to 35 per cent anti-dumping duty on adipic acid, a chemical from the United States.
The actions come within a few days of both the countries agreeing not to introduce any new trade protection measures against each other.
US President Barack Obama is due to begin his first visit to China on 15th of this month.
by RTT Staff Writer
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