WASHINGTON -- US Commerce Department Wednesday announced its affirmative final determinations in antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations on crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells from China, whether or not assembled into modules.

The department said Chinese producers and exporters sold solar cells in the US market at dumping margins ranging from 18.32 percent to 249.96 percent, and they received countervailable subsidies of 14.78 percent to 15.97 percent.

Related reading: Chinese solar shipments may drop 75% on US Tariffs

Imports of solar cells from China were valued at an estimated $3.1 billion in 2011, according to Commerce Department.

The US International Trade Commission, or ITC, is scheduled to make its final determination on or before Nov 23. If the result affirms that these products cause material injury or threat to the US industry, Commerce Department will issue the antidumping duty and countervailing duty orders. If the ITC makes a negative determination, the investigations will be terminated.

The commerce department initiated the antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations on Nov 8, 2011 in response to a petition filed on Oct 19, 2011 by SolarWorld Industries America Incorporation in the state of Oregon.

Trade tensions due to US protectionism against China have been simmering throughout the entire election year as both presidential candidates use China as a punching bag.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has repeatedly urged the United States to abide by its commitment against protectionism and work together with China and other members of the international community to maintain a free, open and just international trade environment.