US sets preliminary duties on Chinese steel pipe

The US Commerce Department announced yesterday that preliminary anti-dumping duties ranging from 32% to 98% on stainless steel pipes imported from China, Reuters reported. The decision comes a year after a suit was filed by United States Steel Corp (X.NYSE), V&M Star LP, TMK IPSCO and the United Steelworkers Union. Yesterday the Commerce Department also said it would launch an investigation against aluminum extrusion imports. The anti-dumping duties vary according to the Chinese exporter. Hengyang Steel Tube Group International Trading, Hengyang Valin Steel Tube Group and Hengyang Valin MPM Tube will be subject to a duty of 91.93%. Tianjin Pipe International Economic and Trading Corporation and Tianjin Pipe Group Corporation are subject to a lower rate of 32.29%. Other companies have been subjected to different rates. The Commerce Department will issue its final anti-dumping decision in September, at which point the International Trade Commission will vote on whether to enact the duties.