U.S. Steel Corp. has launched a campaign to prevent imports from China’s largest steel producers, it said yesterday, the boldest step yet by a U.S. company as a trade brawl with the world’s largest steel producer escalates.

    In a complaint to the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), U.S. Stell called on regulators to investigate dozens of Chinese producers and their distributors for allegedly “conspiring to fix prices, stealing trade secrets and circumventing trade duties by false labeling.”

    Analysts said it could be the most significantly development in U.S. steel trade in a quarter of a century and will likely ratchet up tension between China and major steel producing nations, as the global industry grapples with chronic oversupply and sluggish demand.

    The petition listed some of China’s top producers, including Hebei Iron & Steel Group and Anshan Iron and Steel Group and Shandong Iron & Steel Group Co.

    “We have said that we will use every tool available to fight for fair trade,” said U.S. Steel Corp. president and chief executive officer Mario Longhi in a statement.

    It comes after U.S. officials last week warned that China should take steps to cut excess output or face possible trade action and Australia said Saturday it will impose import duties on certain types of Chinese steel to protect domestic steelmakers.

    Even before the ITC makes its ruling, Chinese exporters may curb shipments fearing retroactive measures, said Michelle Applebaum, analyst at Steel Market Intelligence. (SD-Agencies)