“We believe that it is unjust and extremely regrettable that (the U.S. International Trade Commission) has rejected our statements and concluded that the domestic industry in the United States has been injured by imports of carbon and alloy steel cut-to-length plate from Japan,” said Kosei Shindo, chairman of The Japan Iron and Steel Federation, in a statement.

“The Japanese steel industry will carefully study this decision and determine a proper course of action,” he said.

On Friday, the trade commission affirmed an earlier ruling, unanimously agreeing that U.S. producers have suffered a material injury. The decision clears the way for the imposition of anti-dumping and countervailing duties.

In most cases, Japanese producers are facing duties of 14.8%, although products from two producers will face a duty of 48.7%.

In addition to Japan, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Korea and Taiwan are subject to the ruling.