[Ferro-Alloys.com] After ruling the products were being sold below cost in the US market, US Commerce Department on Thursday set final dumping and subsidy rates on imported steel wire rod from China, paving the way for Washington to impose punitive duties on the products in the months ahead.

The department made its affirmative final determination that carbon and certain alloy steel wire rod from China had been “sold in the United States at dumping margins ranging from 106.19 percent to 110.25 percent,” same as its preliminary determination in September.

China has repeatedly accused the US of straining their vast economic relationship through a slew of anti-dumping measures, adding to growing tensions between the two global powers.

The complaint about imports of hot-rolled carbon steel and alloy steel rod from China, which totaled $313 million in 2013, was made by ArcelorMittal USA, Charter Steel, Evraz Pueblo, Gerdau Ameristeel, Keystone Consolidated Industries and Nucor Corporation.

The US International Trade Commission is to make its final decision in December 26 this year. If the ITC makes a negative determination, the investigations will be terminated.

China’s Ministry of Commerce has repeatedly urged the United States to abide by its commitment against protectionism and work with China to maintain a free, open and just trade environment.

Washington has, for some years, alleged that Beijing is unfairly keeping its exports cheap by holding down the value of its yuan currency, and is frustrating US companies seeking to expand business in China.

• [Editor:Yueleilei]