China could file a suit at the World Trade Organization against the US decision to impose high tariffs on Chinese steel imports, according to a statement by Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday.

"The difficulties in the iron and steel industry are a result of the international financial crisis. They could only be overcome by stronger coordination among governments and enterprises around the world. Strengthening trade protectionism does not help in finding the resolution to the problem," said the statement.

The US International Trade Commission said on Friday that imports of corrosion-resistant steel from China, India, Italy and South Korea were harming US producers.

• [Editor:tianyawei]