TOKYO, Sept. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- The Japanese government said Tuesday it has made an appeal with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over US antidumping duties on Japanese corrosion-resistant carbon steel flat products.

　　The appeal came after the WTO's dispute-settlement panel rejected Japan's claims that US antidumping duties on the steel imports, which have been levied since 1993, violate WTO rules.

　　The steel products are used mainly for automobiles, the trade ministry officials said, adding that in principle, WTO rules call for antidumping duties to be scrapped within five years.

　　But the organization issued a report on Aug. 14 favoring the USaction, saying antidumping duties can remain in effect as long as there is sufficient evidence of dumping practices, the officials said.

　　Japan and the United States are to submit written opinions on the case to the WTO appellate body, which is expected to draft a report in late December or early next year, the officials said. Enditem