U.S. Groups May Seek Probe of Beijing Policy

A coalition of major U.S. business and labor groups said it was considering asking the White House to launch a formal investigation into alleged currency manipulation by China, a move that could trigger trade sanctions if a settlement cannot be reached.

The proposed trade complaint by the coalition would be the first of its kind based on currency intervention, experts said. If filed, the so-called Section 301 complaint could markedly escalate the bilateral dispute, which Treasury Secretary John W. Snow plans to raise with Chinese officials in Beijing next week.