Chinese steel pipe exporters are likely to appeal against the anti-dumping investigation initiated by the US, as it may lead to imposition of steep duties on several steel products.

A US trade panel last week approved an anti-dumping probe on grounds that the US steel industry has been affected by Chinese imports. It is estimated that nearly $2.6 billion worth of Chinese steel pipes used for oil production are involved in the investigation.

The China Steel Association is organizing its members, including the country's major steelmaker Baosteel, to prepare for an appeal, according to an announcement on its website. The association says it may bring the case to the WTO dispute settlement mechanism.