The U.S. Dept. of Commerce (DOC) issued a preliminary determination on August 28 that Chinese imports of welded austenitic stainless steel pressure pipe were dumped at a margin of 22.03%. The petition was brought by four U.S. producers - Bristol Metals, Felker Brothers, Outokumpu Stainless Pipe and Marcegaglia USA - along with the United Steelworkers union.

Products subject to the petition are primarily ASTM A-312 or A-778 specifications using grade 304 or 316 stainless steel, used in various high-pressure applications. Imports of these products from China increased 227% between 2005 and 2007. The DOC will make final subsidy and dumping determinations in January 2009, and the International Trade Commission is expected to make a final injury determination in February 2009.