Testifying before the US International Trade Commission, US Representative Mr Pete Visclosky urged the panel to extend restrictions on imports of certain types of steel products from China, Russia and Ukraine.

Mr Visclosky said that restrictions on cut to length carbon steel plate should be maintained to protect trade laws and domestic manufacturing and officials must have zero tolerance for unfair and illegal imports.

He added that "As we work to rebuild our economy, we cannot leave ourselves vulnerable to illegally subsidized imports from others who will be tempted to dump their steel here, and we must ensure that the letter and spirit of our laws are followed and, when appropriate and necessary, to impose warranted sanctions under the law."

Mr Tim Truman spokesman of US Commerce Department said that there's an active anti dumping order against China on imported cut to length carbon steel plate and suspension agreements on imports from Russia and Ukraine.

He said that the anti dumping order requires US importers to pay an additional duty on the carbon steel plates they order from China. Prior to the order, businesses petitioned the government for relief from the imports claiming they were being sold at less than fair market value.

Ms Peg O'Laughlin spokeswoman for the International Trade Commission said that the hearing is one of the final steps required before the commission votes on whether extend anti dumping and countervailing duty orders. The law requires the commission to review orders every five years. The vote is expected in mid October 2009.