Hitachi Metals Rare-Earth Magnet Complaint to Be Probed by U.S.

Hitachi Metals Ltd.'s (5486) complaint seeking to block U.S. imports of competitors' rare-earth magnets used in electronics, golf ball markers and power tools will be investigated by the International Trade Commission.

The commission today said it started a probe into the case filed Aug. 17 by the Japanese maker of specialty-metal products against more than two dozen companies. Notice of the decision was posted on the agency's website.

The dispute is over patented inventions related to the manufacture of sintered rare-earth magnets, which are light and powerful compounds used in batteries, magnets and computer hard drives.