US launches first 2010 trade action against China

The US Department of Commerce will launch an investigation into whether Chinese oil well drill pipe is being sold at unfairly low prices, Reuters reported. The United Steelworkers union and a group of companies have alleged that Chinese exports of heavyweight oil drill pipe and drill collars are being sold too cheaply in US markets, and requested anti-dumping duties between 429% and 496%. The US imported US$194.6 million worth of drill pipe from China in 2008. The US already has 82 anti-dumping duty orders in place and 12 countervailing duty orders against Chinese goods. Trade lawyers expect more cases to be opened as Chinese exports to the US increase as the US economy recovers.