THE United States Commerce Department on Tuesday set final anti-dumping duties and countervailing duties on imports of steel gratings from China, the latest move in an escalation of trade disputes between the two countries.

The department said in a statement that it had set final anti-dumping duties of 136.76 to 145.18 percent on the steel product to offset below-market pricing.

Moreover, the department also ruled that the Chinese producers/exporters of steel gratings have received net countervailable subsidies of 62.46 percent.

Steel gratings consist of two or more cross-bracing pieces and are used in industrial floors, docks, ramps, drainage covers, staircases and other applications.

US imports of the steel gratings rose to US$90.6 million in 2008, but fell back to US$15.3 million in 2009.

Under the US trade remedy procedure, the US International Trade Commission will also make its final injury determination about the product soon.

If the ITC makes affirmative final determination that imports of steel gratings from China materially injure, or threaten material injury to, the domestic industry, the department will impose the duties.

The protectionist moves by the Obama administration will ultimately hurt US-China trade relations, which are becoming more important, economists warned.

Chinese Minister of Commerce Chen Deming called on world governments to remain alert to trade protectionism.

"There are uncertainties and a tough road ahead. As the world economy is recovering, countries need to stand against protectionism and support liberalization of trade and investment," Chen said.