WASHINGTON - The US Commerce Department on Tuesday announced its preliminary affirmative determination in the anti-dumping duty (AD) investigation against imports of hardwood and decorative plywood from China, signaling that it may pose punitive duties on the products.

The department said that Chinese producers and exporters sold hardwood and decorative plywood in the United States at dumping margins from 0.62 percent to 63.96 percent.

The Commerce launched AD duty and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations against imports of hardwood and decorative plywood from China on Oct 18, 2012, alleging that these products were sold at less than fair value in US market, with a dumping margin of 298.36 percent and 321.68 percent and additional subsidies.

The Commerce Department is scheduled to make final determinations in July 2013.

Punitive duties would be imposed after both the Commerce Department and the US International Trade Commission (USITC) make affirmative final rulings. The USITC is scheduled to make its final determination on Aug 27, 2013.

The petitioner for this investigation is the Coalition for Fair Trade of Hardwood Plywood of six US-based companies.

In 2012, imports of hardwood and decorative plywood from China were at an estimated $747.9 million, according to the Commerce Department.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has repeatedly urged the United States to abide by its commitment against protectionism and work together with China and other members of the international community to maintain a free, open and just international trade environment.