Big Graphite from China Faces Quick Duties
Published Date: 9/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Commerce has found strong reasons to believe that imports of large diameter graphite electrodes from China got unfair help from their government. This means extra taxes (countervailing duties) might be added quickly to these products to protect U.S. businesses. If you’re involved in this trade, watch out for changes starting September 24, 2026, which could affect prices and import rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Immediate cash deposits on imports
U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be directed to suspend liquidation and require a cash deposit equal to the estimated preliminary subsidy rates for any unliquidated entries of large diameter graphite electrodes from China entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after May 1, 2026. The suspension of liquidation will remain in effect until further notice.
Preliminary finding of export-contingent subsidies
Commerce preliminarily finds a reasonable basis to believe or suspect that certain programs provided to Chinese producers/exporters (including Dantan New Materials Co., Ltd. and Shanxi Juxian Graphite New Material Co., Ltd.) are countervailable and inconsistent with the WTO Subsidies and Countervailing Measures Agreement. The programs identified include Export Loans from Chinese State-Owned Bank; Export Seller's Credit; Export Buyer's Credit; Subsidies for the Development of Famous Brands and China World Top Brands; Foreign Trade Development Fund Grants; and Export Assistance Grants.
Record shows massive surge in imports
Petitioners provided monthly import data showing a 105.43 percent increase in imports of large graphite electrodes from China when comparing their cited base and comparison periods, and Commerce found Trade Data Monitor (TDM) data for HTSUS 8545.11.0020 showed the comparison period shipments exceeded the base period by more than 15 percent. Commerce used these import increases to preliminarily conclude that "massive imports" occurred, supporting a critical circumstances finding for all other exporters and producers.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-05481, Regulations Enhancing the Administration of the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Trade Remedy Laws; Correction
The Department of Commerce fixed some accidental mistakes in their trade rules that were published in December 2024. They put back important deadlines and details that were accidentally deleted and corrected a couple of typos. These fixes take effect on March 31, 2025, helping businesses and officials follow clear and accurate trade rules without confusion or delays.
2026-20777, Certain Paper Shopping Bags From Cambodia: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2024-2025
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that some paper shopping bags from Cambodia were sold in the U.S. for less than their normal price between January 2024 and June 2025. This means certain Cambodian bag makers might have to pay extra duties to keep things fair. Businesses involved should watch for final decisions and possible changes in costs soon.
2026-20779, Passenger Vehicle and Light Truck Tires From Thailand: Preliminary Results and Rescission, in Part, of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2024-2025
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that tires from Thailand were sold in the U.S. for less than their normal price between July 2024 and June 2025. This means some importers might have to pay extra duties to keep things fair. The review process had some delays due to government shutdowns, but now the preliminary results are out and open for comments.
2026-20778, Certain Hot-Rolled Steel Flat Products From the Republic of Korea: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2023
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that Hyundai Steel and POSCO from South Korea got unfair government help on their hot-rolled steel in 2023. Because of this, extra taxes (called countervailing duties) will apply to their steel imports starting October 9, 2026. This means U.S. steel buyers might pay a bit more, and Korean producers will have to adjust to these new rules.
2026-20690, Oleoresin Paprika From India: Antidumping Duty Order and Countervailing Duty Order
Starting October 8, 2026, the U.S. is putting extra taxes on oleoresin paprika imported from India because it's being sold too cheaply and getting unfair government help. This move protects American paprika producers from losing business and means importers will have to pay more when bringing in this spice. If you import or sell this paprika, get ready for new costs and rules!
2026-20691, Certain Paper Shopping Bags From Taiwan: Preliminary Results and Rescission, in Part, of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2024-2025
The U.S. Department of Commerce reviewed paper shopping bags from Taiwan sold between January 2024 and June 2025. They found that Haur Tyi Paper Bag Co. didn’t sell these bags at unfairly low prices, and they stopped reviewing five other companies because no one asked for it. This means no extra duties for Haur Tyi right now, and the review process is moving forward with some deadlines adjusted due to a government shutdown.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19517, N-Cyclohexylbenzothiazole-2-Sulfenamide From the People's Republic of China: Postponement of Preliminary Determination in the Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigation
The U.S. is delaying its first big decision on whether imports of N-Cyclohexylbenzothiazole-2-Sulfenamide from China are unfairly priced. This delay gives everyone more time to dig into the details and make sure the investigation is super thorough. Importers, exporters, and businesses involved should expect the new decision by mid-December 2026, which could affect prices and trade rules.
Next: 2026-19519, Certain Vertical Shaft Engines Between 99cc and 225cc, and Parts Thereof, From the People's Republic of China: Affirmative Final Determinations of Circumvention of the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders-5C65M0 and BC70M0 Engines
The U.S. Department of Commerce has decided that certain small engines (models 5C65M0 and BC70M0) made by a Chinese company, Zongshen, are sneaking around existing import rules. Starting September 24, 2026, these engines will face the same extra taxes as other similar Chinese engines to keep things fair for U.S. businesses. If you import or sell these engines, get ready for new costs and rules!