The Obama administration has found that China unfairly subsidized $514 million in aluminum products.

The preliminary finding Tuesday by the Commerce Department means that some Chinese aluminum importers must post cash deposits or bonds at a rate set by U.S. officials.

The Obama administration is under pressure from U.S. lawmakers to take tough trade action against China ahead of crucial congressional elections in November.

But the White House also wants to preserve good ties with a country seen as crucial to dealing with global economic and environmental issues and with nuclear standoffs with Iran and North Korea.