WASHINGTON — The U.S. government is imposing new duties on imports of steel pipes from China, the latest sign of trade tensions between the two countries.

The case is the largest steel trade dispute in U.S. history and will impact about $2.7 billion worth of Chinese imports.

The U.S. International Trade Commission voted today to impose duties between 10.36 percent and 15.78 percent on the pipes, which are mostly used in the oil and gas industries. The duties are intended to offset government subsidies the U.S. government says China is providing its steelmakers.

The move is in response to a complaint filed in April by U.S. Steel and six other steel manufacturers, as well as the United Steelworkers' union.

The U.S. industry alleged Chinese exporters are selling the subsidized pipes at unfairly low prices in the U.S., a practice known as "dumping."

The steelworkers union said earlier this month the dumping has harmed the U.S. steel industry and caused more than 2,400 job losses since the beginning of this year.