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Protection to collect cash deposits and suspend liquidation for entries of subject silicon metal from Laos entered or withdrawn for consumption on or after September 30, 2025.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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12329 — Certain Chassis and Subassemblies Thereof From Mexico and Thailand: Countervailing Duty Orders
Starting June 18, 2026, the U.S. is adding extra taxes (called countervailing duties) on certain vehicle chassis and parts imported from Mexico and Thailand. This move helps U.S. manufacturers who were hurt by unfair government subsidies in those countries. Importers will now pay more, making things fairer and protecting American jobs.
2026-12301 — Raw Honey from India: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that raw honey from India was sold at unfairly low prices between June 2023 and May 2024. Because of this, they’re keeping antidumping duties in place to protect American honey producers. These final results take effect on June 18, 2026, meaning importers might pay more when bringing in Indian honey.
2026-12330 — Certain Chassis and Subassemblies Thereof From Mexico, Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Antidumping Duty Orders
Starting June 18, 2026, the U.S. is putting extra taxes on certain vehicle chassis and parts from Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam because they were sold here at unfairly low prices. This move helps American companies that make these parts by making imports a bit pricier. If you import or buy these chassis, expect some changes in costs and rules soon!
2026-12248 — Finished Carbon Steel Flanges From India: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that finished carbon steel flanges from India were sold in the U.S. at unfairly low prices from August 2023 to July 2024. This means importers of these flanges might have to pay extra duties to level the playing field. The final decision took effect on June 18, 2026, impacting companies involved in this trade and possibly changing costs soon.
2026-12343 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Procedures for Submissions by Certain Steel and Aluminum Producers Committing to New U.S. Steel or Aluminum Production to Obtain Tariff Adjustments Under Proclamation 10984
Steel and aluminum producers who plan to build new U.S. production facilities can now apply for tariff breaks under a new government rule. The Department of Commerce is asking for public feedback by August 17, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and fair. This change helps boost American manufacturing while keeping import rules smart and balanced.
2026-12103 — Glycine From India: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2023
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that some Indian glycine producers got unfair government help during 2023, so they’re adjusting duties (extra taxes) on those imports. This affects companies importing glycine from India and means changes in costs starting June 16, 2026. Deadlines were pushed back due to government shutdowns, but now the final results are set and ready to roll!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03477 — Silicon Metal From Angola: Final Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Classification of Angola as a Non-Market Economy
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that silicon metal from Angola is being sold in the U.S. for less than its fair price. Starting February 23, 2026, Angola will be treated as a non-market economy, which means stricter trade rules apply. This affects importers and could lead to higher duties or changes in how imports are checked.
Next: 2026-03479 — Silicon Metal From the Kingdom of Thailand: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that companies in Thailand making silicon metal got unfair government help (subsidies) during 2024. Because of this, extra taxes (countervailing duties) will be added to their products when they enter the U.S. This change starts February 23, 2026, and aims to keep things fair for American businesses.