WASHINGTON, July 16 -- The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) Thursday approved continued anti-dumping and countervailing duties investigations against imports of corrosion-resistant steel products from the Chinese mainland. Similar action was taken against India, Italy, South Korea and Taiwan.

The decision would allow the U.S. Commerce Department to continue the probes. The department is expected to make preliminary countervailing and anti-dumping duty determinations this year on Aug. 27 and Nov. 10, separately.

On June 24, the U.S. Commerce Department launched an anti-dumping and countervailing duties probes upon request by the U.S. Steel Corporation based in Pennsylvania and five other U.S. steel companies.

Imports of corrosion-resistant steel products from the Chinese mainland, India, Italy, South Korea and Taiwan were estimated at a total value of 2.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2014, according to U.S. official data.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has repeatedly urged Washington to abide by its commitment against protectionism and help maintain a free, open and just international trade environment.