WASHINGTON, May 20 (AFP) - The US Commerce Department on Thursday announced punitive duties on stainless steel imports from companies in Japan, South Korea and six other countries on grounds they have sold their products at below fair value or benefited from subsidies. But before the duties can take effect, another US agency, the International Trade Commission, must issue a final determination that US stainless steel producers have been hurt by such practices. A decision is expected in mid-July. The companies are accused of either having taken advantage of government subsidies to undercut US manufacturers or of selling their goods at "dumping" prices, that is, below the cost of production. Firms from the Pacific Rim were slapped with the largest duties. The department called for penalties of 71.45 percent on stainless steel from Sammi Steel Company and 65.79 percent on steel Taihan Electric Wire Company, both of South Korea. It proposed tariffs of nearly 58 percent on steel from Japanese manufacturers Nippon Metal Industry Company, Nippon Steel Corporation, Niisshin Steel Company and Nippon Yakin Kogyo Company. Duties of 25.82 percent were sought on German stainless steel, 16.02 percent on French imports and up to 39.28 percent on some Italian manufacturers. The United States is seeking duties of 14.84 percent on imports from Britain, 30.86 percent from Mexico and up to 34.95 percent on some imports from Taiwan, the department said.  