The US launched a probe into Chinese exports of aluminium products on Wednesday night but postponed a decision on whether to include the country’s exchange rate policy in its inquiry.
The investigation, announced by the commerce department, will unfold over the next few months, with an initial determination scheduled for May 17. It threatens to reignite tensions between the US and China over the value of the renminbi after a period of relative calm between the two countries on the issue.
The US said the probe would centre on aluminium “extrusions”, which are used in the construction and car industries to make components of windows and doors, as well as furniture and solar panels.