Experts warn against trade protectionism

The number of trade investigations involving Chinese exports launched by the United States has reached four so far this year, as Washington hasn't prudently handled the investigations and overprotected many domestic industries, said experts on Thursday.

Their comments came after the US International Trade Commission launched anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigation on rubber bands from China, Sri Lanka and Thailand on Wednesday, claiming those products to be shipped to the US are at less than fair value and subsidized by the governments of the three nations.

Unless the US Department of Commerce extends the time for initiation, the USITC must reach preliminary determinations on anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations in 45 days, or in this case by March 16. Its views must be transmitted to the USDC within five business days thereafter, or by March 23.