The U.S. government’s agency for international trade will determine by June 18 if certain tire imports from China cause or are threatening to cause market disruption to domestic tire makers and will transmit its findings to President Obama and the U.S. trade representative the next day.

The United Steelworkers union filed a petition in April with the commission, asking the Obama administration to limit tire imports from China.

The union wants the Obama administration to cut imports by more than half to 21 million. The U.S. imported 46 million tires to the U.S. in 2008.

The petition specifically targets tires used on cars and light trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles.

The commission is investigating possible remedies that will be submitted to the president.

The U.S. International Trade Commission, which is based in Washington D.C., held public hearings on the matter earlier this month.

It has set June 16 as the deadline for submitting final comments about the issue. The deadline for submitting final comments on remedy will by June 24. The final report to the President and U.S. trade representative will be transmitted on July 9.

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