Laos Labeled Non-Market Economy in U.S. Silicon Metal Trade Probe
Published Date: 2/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that silicon metal from Laos is being sold in the U.S. for less than its fair price. Starting February 23, 2026, Laos will be treated as a non-market economy, which means tougher trade rules for their products. This affects importers and could lead to higher costs or new duties on silicon metal from Laos.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
94.44% Dumping Margin Imposed
The Department of Commerce found silicon metal from Laos is being sold in the U.S. at less than fair value and assigned an estimated weighted-average dumping margin of 94.44 percent to Lao Silicon Co., Ltd. and 94.44 percent as the all-others rate. This margin applies to the investigation covering October 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025 and could be used to set antidumping duties on imports of silicon metal from Laos.
Suspension of Liquidation & Deposits Continued
Commerce instructed U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits and suspend liquidation for entries of subject silicon metal from Laos entered or withdrawn for consumption on or after September 30, 2025. Commerce discontinued suspension for entries on or after January 28, 2026 but continued suspension for entries on or before January 27, 2026; if the U.S. International Trade Commission issues an affirmative injury determination, Commerce will issue an antidumping (AD) order, reinstate suspension under section 736(a), and require cash deposits of estimated duties.
Laos Classified Non-Market Economy
Starting February 23, 2026, Commerce will treat the Lao People's Democratic Republic as a non-market economy (NME) for forthcoming proceedings and intends to use NME methodology to calculate antidumping duty rates in future segments. The notice specifically says this approach will apply to future investigations, including crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells from Laos.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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