U.S. steelmakers called for tough antidumping action against South Korea welded API line pipes that could effectively block export of the products, a local traders association said Friday.

According to the Korea International Trade Association, American Cast Iron Pipe Co. and seven other companies sued South Korean steelmakers such as Dongbu Steel, Dongyang Steel Pipe Co. and Hysco for unfairly undercutting prices and for receiving state subsidies.

The U.S. companies also demanded action against line pipe manufacturers from Turkey.

Welded API line pipes are used in oil and gas pipelines and are designed to be bendable and easy to weld.

“They cited export financial support arrangements and short-term loans provided by the Export-Import Bank of Korea and the Korea Development Bank as unfair subsidies and demanded the U.S. government slap countervailing duties on South Korean-made pipes,” KITA said. (Yonhap)