The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said yesterday that it "resolutely opposed" a United States decision to impose 31 percent preliminary duties on imports of Chinese-made steel pipes for use in oil and gas wells, and termed the move 'protectionist.'

"The ruling is not in line with the subsidy and anti-subsidy agreements under the framework of the World Trade Organization. The mistakes the US made in evaluation and calculation has led to high subsidies that hurt Chinese companies and exporters," said MOFCOM spokesperson Yao Jian in a statement.

"The result is not acceptable for the Chinese government and the local industry. We urge the US to make the necessary corrections in its final decision," he said.