China's Graphite Electrodes Dumped Cheap, Says Commerce—Duties Loom
Published Date: 9/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that large diameter graphite electrodes from China are likely being sold in the U.S. for less than their fair price. This means importers might face new duties soon to keep things fair for American businesses. The investigation covers sales from July to December 2025, and the decision kicks in starting September 30, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Large Cash Deposits Required on Imports
If you import large diameter graphite electrodes from China, Commerce preliminarily set an estimated weighted-average dumping margin of 98.79 percent and a cash-deposit figure shown as 95.61 percent. Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to require cash deposits equal to the applicable rate starting as directed in this notice (applicable September 30, 2026). The period of investigation covered sales from July 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.
Retroactive Suspension for Prior Entries
Commerce preliminarily found critical circumstances for the China-wide entity, so suspension of liquidation and cash-deposit instructions apply to unliquidated entries of subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after the date that is 90 days before the publication of this notice in the Federal Register. The notice was published September 30, 2026, and the suspension instructions remain in effect until further notice.
China-Wide Entity Assigned Adverse Rate
Commerce preliminarily treated all Chinese producers/exporters that did not establish separate rates as part of a China-wide entity and applied an adverse facts-available (AFA) dumping margin to that entity. The chart in the notice shows the China-wide entity margin as 98.79 percent (AFA).
Specific Products Covered by the Investigation
The investigation covers large diameter graphite electrodes with a nominal or actual diameter exceeding 425 millimeters (16.7 inches) and graphite pin joining systems with a minimum diameter of 228.6 mm (9 inches). Certain thermal energy storage (TES) graphite blocks meeting specified dimensional and material criteria are excluded. Merchandise covered may be entered under HTSUS 8545.11.0020, 3801.10.5090, or 3801.90.0050.
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