Thailand's Silicon Metal Faces U.S. Duties Over Subsidy Shenanigans
Published Date: 2/23/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
31.27% Countervailing Duty Rate
Commerce found Thailand producers received countervailable subsidies and assigned an estimated ad valorem subsidy rate of 31.27 percent to G.S. Energy Co., Ltd., Sica New Materials (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and to all other producers. If the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) makes a final affirmative injury finding, imports of the covered silicon metal will be subject to countervailing duties at 31.27 percent.
Suspension of Liquidation and Cash Deposits
Commerce instructed U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits and suspend liquidation for entries of the subject silicon metal entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after September 26, 2025. Commerce told CBP to discontinue suspension for entries on or after January 24, 2026 but to continue suspension for entries on or before January 23, 2026. If the ITC later finds material injury, Commerce will reinstate suspension and require cash deposits equal to the estimated duties (31.27 percent). If the ITC finds no injury, deposits will be refunded.
Which Silicon Metal Is Covered
The investigation covers silicon metal that contains at least 85.00 percent but less than 99.99 percent silicon and less than 4.00 percent iron by weight, including silicon metal powder, normally classifiable under HTSUS 2804.69.1000 and 2804.69.5000. Semiconductor grade silicon (at least 99.99 percent silicon by weight, HTSUS 2804.61.0000) is excluded from the scope.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2026-03478, Silicon Metal From the Lao People's Democratic Republic: Final Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Classification of the Lao People's Democratic Republic as a Non-Market Economy
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.
Next: 2026-03480, Silicon Metal From the Lao People's Democratic Republic: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that companies in Laos making silicon metal got unfair government help, so they’re adding extra taxes on these imports starting February 23, 2026. This affects businesses importing silicon metal from Laos and aims to keep things fair for U.S. producers. The decision covers the whole year of 2024 and means importers will pay more to balance the playing field.