U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick on Friday asked the International Trade Commission to launch an investigation into whether increased imports from Japan and other countries are hurting the U.S. steel industry.

The investigation under Section 201 of the 1974 Trade Act could result in emergency measures, such as imposing higher tariffs or import quotas on steel imports. The move was initiated by President George W. Bush.

"The Bush administration is committed to the effective use of statutory safeguards, consistent with WTO (World Trade Organization) rules, when American producers face serious injury due to imports," Zoellick said in a letter to the ITC, an independent federal agency.

"The U.S. steel industry has been affected by a 50-year legacy of foreign government intervention in the market and direct financial support of their steel industries. The result has been significant excess capacity, inefficient production, and a glut of steel on world markets," Zoellick said.