BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - US labor group United Steelworkers (USW) welcomed a preliminary decision by the US Commerce Department to impose antidumping duties on imports of new pneumatic off-the-road (OTR) tires from China, saying it will 'help level the playing field'.

'The decision will help level the playing field for US workers by requiring Chinese tire imports to be priced fairly. This case shows the importance of vigorous enforcement of our trade laws as a first line of defense against unfair trade practices that harm American industries and jobs,' USW International president Leo Gerard said in a statement.

The US investigated four individual Chinese producers, following which they were imposed anti-dumping duties ranging from 11 to 52 pct. Other companies receiving separate rates are subject to a margin that reflects the weighted average of the individual rates, or 25 pct, whichever is higher, the statement said.

For companies not entitled to individual rates, a rate of 210 pct will apply.

According to the statement, all importers of OTR tires from China will have to post a bond or cash deposit equal to the margin amounts pending final determination of the tariffs in June.

The International Trade Commission (ITC) will also examine the matter and make a call later, the statement added.

andrew.pasek-vanburen@xinhuafinance.com

xfnap/xfnrc

AFX News Limited

02.13.08, 1:07 AM ET

Source: forbes