US Slaps Significant Tariffs on Chinese Graphite Imports

The US Commerce Department has announced provisional anti-dumping duties of 93.5% on imports of graphite from China, a key material in battery production. This decision comes after findings that these imports were unfairly subsidized.

Background and Reactions

This action was prompted by a petition from the American Active Anode Material Producers, a trade group representing US graphite manufacturers, in December. They accused Chinese companies of violating anti-dumping rules. According to Bloomberg, the new tariffs could push the effective rate to 160%.

Trade War Context

The US and China have been engaged in a trade war, with the US previously imposing a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, leading to a 125% retaliatory tax from Beijing on certain US goods. Temporary reductions to 30% and 10% were agreed upon after negotiations, with a deadline for a long-term agreement set for August 12. Graphite also faces an additional 25% tariff under Section 301.