According to data released by China's National Bureau of Statistics, due to factors such as the economic slowdown, decreased exports, and falling share prices, China's retail sales in the first two months of 2009 only increased by 15.2% year-on-year.

Six U.S. pipe makers and the United Steelworkers have applauded the U.S. Department of Commerce for its final affirmative findings that Chinese producers of circular welded steel pipe are dumping below-cost product in the United States, and that pipe exports benefit from large subsidies provided by the Chinese government.