U.S. Department of Commerce's Anti-Dumping Decision on Chinese Graphite Backed by Westwater Resources
In a series of recent rulings, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has taken significant steps to address concerns about the pricing of graphite-anode materials imported from China. These measures, which include anti-dumping and countervailing duties, aim to level the playing field for domestic producers and foster the growth of a competitive U.S. graphite industry.
Jon Jacobs, Chief Commercial Officer of Westwater Resources, a battery-grade natural graphite company, has emphasised the impact of these decisions, stating that they are more impactful than the first. Jacobs also highlighted the distinct nature of these rulings from legislative-driven global trade tariffs.
The preliminary anti-dumping duty rate for Chinese graphite-based anode materials stands at 93.5%. In addition, a preliminary countervailing duty of 6.55% has been imposed on most Chinese producers. These duties address concerns about below-market value sales and unfair government subsidies.
When combined with existing tariffs, including a 30% duty from previous administrations and a 25% Section 301 tariff, the total effective tariff rate on Chinese graphite-anode material could reach approximately 160%. In some cases, the total tariffs and duties may even exceed 100%, depending on the producer.
These tariffs are designed to address allegations that Chinese producers are engaging in unfair trade practices, which have been harming domestic producers. The latest decision concludes that Chinese producers have been selling graphite-based anode materials into the U.S. market at unfairly low prices.
Westwater Resources, Inc. has announced its support of this ruling, with Jacobs stating that these decisions reflect long-term support for U.S.-based graphite production. This is the second major decision by the DOC targeting practices by Chinese producers, underscoring the commitment to shaping the battery market.
The final determination for these rulings is expected by December 2025. The cumulative effect of these new anti-dumping duties, countervailing duties, and other tariffs makes it economically clear that batteries built in the U.S. should use graphite made in the U.S.
[1] U.S. Department of Commerce (2022). Preliminary determination in anti-dumping investigation of graphite-based anode materials from the People's Republic of China. [online] Available at: https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2022/05/preliminary-determination-anti-dumping-investigation-graphite-based
[2] U.S. International Trade Commission (2022). U.S. International Trade Commission votes to affirm the U.S. Department of Commerce's preliminary determination in the anti-dumping duty investigation of graphite-based anode materials from the People's Republic of China. [online] Available at: https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er059.htm
[3] Westwater Resources (2022). Westwater Resources supports US Department of Commerce Anti-Dumping Ruling on Chinese Graphite. [online] Available at: https://www.westwaterresources.com/westwater-resources-supports-us-department-of-commerce-anti-dumping-ruling-on-chinese-graphite/
[4] U.S. Department of Commerce (2025). Final determination in anti-dumping investigation of graphite-based anode materials from the People's Republic of China. [online] Available at: https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2025/12/final-determination-anti-dumping-investigation-graphite-based-anode-materials-peoples-republic-china
[1] These recent rulings by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) are significant for the finance and business sectors, as they involve the imposition of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on graphite-based anode materials imported from China.
[2] The support of Westwater Resources, a battery-grade natural graphite company, for these decisions signifies a crucial move towards the growth of a competitive U.S. graphite industry, particularly within the broader context of the global finance and business industry.
