The US has increased its import duties on Chinese steelmakers by more 522% after accusing them of selling their products below market prices.

According to the US Commerce Department, the taxes specifically apply to Chinese-made cold-rolled flat steel, which is used in car manufacturing, shipping containers and construction.

Its ruling comes amid heightened trade tensions between the two sides over several products, including chicken parts.

Steel is an especially sensitive issue.

Photo Reuters

American and European steel producers claim China is distorting the global market and undercutting them by dumping its excess supply abroad.

A separate filing by major US steelmakers to the International Trade Commission is looking to completely ban all Chinese steel imports.

The US steel industry claims that around 12,000 workers have been laid off in the past year because of unfair Chinese competition.

China claims the weak economy is more responsible for the industry’s problems and that it has taken steps to reduce its steel production.

In 2015, China’s exports of cold-rolled steel flat products to the US were valued at an estimated $272.3 million.