The U.S. International Trade Commission announced on Oct. 7 its decision to initiate antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on imports of seamless pipe from the People’s Republic of China.

TheU.S. International Trade Commissionannounced on Oct. 7 its decision to initiate antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on imports of seamless pipe from the People’s Republic of China. The products covered by these investigations include seamless carbon and alloy steel standard, line, and pressure pipes less than or equal to 16 inches in outside diameter, used in a variety of industrial piping systems.

The investigation is in response to a petition launched by steel producers U.S. Steel, V&M Star and TMK IPSCO, who allege dumping margins of more than 98%. From 2006 to 2008, imports of seamless pipe from China increased by 131.52% by volume and were valued at an estimated $382 million in 2008. The ITC was scheduled to make its preliminary injury determination on or about Nov. 2.