U.S. Tariffs: USITC ends investigation of Chinese steel products

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The China Iron & Steel Association said Wednesday that the country's steel sector would resolutely respond to any trade action taken by the United States.The statement came after the U.S. International Trade Commission terminated its anti-trust investigation into Chinese steel products. Take a listen.

The U.S. International Trade Commission said it found that U.S. Steel had failed to plead or demonstrate anti-trust injury. The commission said that as a result it decided to terminate its investigation into imports of certain carbon and alloy steel products for alleged anti-trust violations.

WANG HEJUN, DIRECTOR MOFCOM TRADE REMEDY AND INVESTIGATION BUREAU "We appreciate the USITC's decision. China and the US are the first two major world economies, and also important trading partners. We need fair treatment and respect in bilateral trade relations."

The USITC in 2016 launched an investigation into imports of certain carbon and alloy steel cut-to-length plate from 12 countries, including China. That came after the commission received complaints from U.S. Steel. The Pittsburgh company wanted to bar nearly all Chinese steel imports under Section 337 of the main US tariff law.

WANG HEJUN, DIRECTOR MOFCOM TRADE REMEDY AND INVESTIGATION BUREAU "The investigation involved 40 Chinese steel producers and distribution subsidiaries. The termination of the case is due to efforts of the Chinese government, enterprises, and associations. It is a lesson that taught us how to properly deal with trade frictions."

The termination of the case marks a small victory for the Chinese metals industry, which is facing trade action from the United States on a number of fronts. The CISA said in a statement that China's steel industry would resolutely respond to the challenges triggered by the U.S. and make the Chinese steel sector bigger and stronger.