The United States has officially begun an anti-dumping and anti-subsidies?investigation to decide whether to set duties on imports of steel wheels from China, according to the China Chamber of Commerce of Imports and Exports of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME), as well as?the companies involved.

It's the first time the US has launched an investigation into Chinese automobile-components, according to the China Chamber of Commerce of Imports and Exports of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME).

A claim filed by the US steel-rim and wheel makers - Accuride Corp and Hayes Lemmerz International Inc -?urged the US International Trade Commission (USITC) and the Department of Commerce (DOC) to?launch the investigation, which began on April 5, according to the CCCME.

Around 16 companies are involved, said Chen Huaisheng, a lawyer for the CCCME, who said the value of 2010 Chinese steel-wheel exports to the US is estimated to be less than $20 million.

Xingmin Wheel Co Ltd, a Shandong-based company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, has sought for legal aid to deal with the case, said Cui Jihe, the secretary of the board.

"We have confidence in the competitiveness of our products overseas and this investigation won't make us change our strategy," Cui said.

"The wheel makers who launched the petition might have felt a growing threat from their Chinese rivals, who can supply both high quality and a competitive price," he said.

Another of those involved is Zhejiang Jingu Co Limited, which supplies Chrysler Group LLC and Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit, according to its website.

Zhejiang Jingu, which is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, has an annual production capacity of 15 million wheel sets. Its overseas operations manager, Ye Xiu, said the company is preparing for legal proceedings and is also seeking opportunities in other markets to offset the possible loss of its US business.

Three major U.S. importers expressed their support for China's position, while more than 10 Chinese exporters have been working to respond to the anti-dumping and countervailing investigation, said an official with the China Chamber of Commerce of Imports and Exports of Machinery and Electronic Products.