MECHANIC FALLS (AP) – Members of Maine’s congressional delegation supports a federal government decision about allegations of unfair trade practices committed by Chinese fabric producers.

Auburn Manufacturing Inc. led the fight over amorphous silica fabric, or ASF, which is a heat-resistant material. Auburn Manufacturing is America’s largest producer of industrial-grade ASF.

The delegation says the U.S. Department of Commerce has made an affirmative final decision in an investigation of Chinese producers for selling unfairly subsidized ASF in the U.S. at less than fair value.

If the International Trade Commission affirms the finding, then the secretary of commerce can instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from Chinese producers that were named in the investigation.

Maine’s delegation says the efforts will “re-level the playing field” for American companies that produce ASF.

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