Report: China confirms probe of US automakers

China's commerce minister Chen Deming says the government is carrying out an investigation on potential dumping of US-made vehicles in the Chinese market, according to Bloomberg news.

Chen said October 29 that the investigation was based on requests from Chinese automakers, and it would be carried out in line with Chinese laws and World Trade Organization rules.

China told the US that it would take steps that could lead to higher tariffs on imports of autos produced by General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Group LLC.

The US exports about 9,000 cars to China annually.

Agencies and Shi Jierui contributed to this story