The U.S. Department of Commerce has imposed a preliminary weighted-average dumping margin of 93.5% on imports of active anode-grade graphite material from China, following an investigation into unfair trade practices.

Anode-grade graphite is a vital component in electric vehicle battery manufacturing.

The decision stems from an anti-dumping and countervailing duty petition filed by the American Active Anode Material Producers, a coalition of five U.S.-based firms: Anovion Technologies, Syrah Technologies, NOVONIX Anode Materials, Epsilon Advanced Materials, and SKI US.

In May, Commerce had determined preliminary countervailing duties of up to 721% on imports of active anode material from China.

In February this year, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) preliminarily determined that such imports materially retarded the growth of the domestic industry.

Commerce found that active anode material from China is being sold in the U.S. at less than fair value. For non-selected Chinese exporters, a dumping margin of 93.5% was calculated based on revised petition margins. The China-wide entity rate is even higher, at 102.72%, assigned using the adverse facts available method.

Mandatory respondents, Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) and BTR, were found to be under government control and were denied separate rate status.

Commerce has also issued preliminary countervailing duties. Most Chinese producers face a countervailing duty rate of 6.55%, while exceptionally high subsidy rates were imposed on Huzhou Kaijin New Energy (712.03%) and Shanghai Shaosheng Knitted Sweater (721.03%). The department noted that no export subsidies were identified among cooperative respondents, and no cash deposit adjustments were applied.

The scope of anti-dumping and countervailing duties investigations covers active anode material imported independently or as part of downstream products, including silicon-based blends, compounds, slurries, and battery subassemblies.

Several stakeholders, including Tesla and Panasonic, challenged the inclusion of downstream battery components, but Commerce clarified that only the active anode portion is under investigation, even when embedded in larger assemblies.

Commerce is accepting final scope comments until August 6, 2025. The final determinations in both the anti-dumping and countervailing duties cases are expected by December 5, 2025. CATL and BTR have requested a postponement of the final ruling and an extension of provisional measures.

The outcome will impact the battery materials supply chain, particularly for electric vehicle and energy storage manufacturers reliant on Chinese anode materials.