The U.S. government on Thursday launched anti-dumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations against imports of hardwood and decorative plywood from China.

The product covered by the investigations is a panel composed of an assembly of two or more layers or piles of wood veneers in combination with a core. The several layers, along with the core, are glued or otherwise bonded together to form a finished product. A hardwood and decorative plywood panel can be composed of one or more species of hardwoods, softwoods, or bamboo, said the U.S. Commerce Department in a statement

The Commerce alleged that this product were sold at less than fair value in U.S. market, with a dumping margin of 298.36 percent and 321.68 percent and additional subsidies.

In 2011, imports of hardwood and decorative plywood from China were at an estimated 616.5 million U.S. dollars, according to the Commerce Department.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) was scheduled to make its preliminary injury determination on or before November 13, 2012.

If the ITC determines that there is a reasonable indication that imports from China materially injure or threaten the domestic industry, the probes will continue. Then the Commerce Department will be scheduled to make its preliminary determinations in the CVD and AD probes in December 2012 and March 2013, respectively.

The petitioner for the investigation is the Coalition for Fair Trade of Hardwood Plywood comprised of six companies.

Trade tensions due to U.S. protectionism against China have been simmering throughout the entire election year as both presidential candidates use China as a punching bag.

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.