U.S. Delays Preliminary Determination in Countervailing Duty Investigation on Chinese Active Anode Material

March 18, 2025
Harry Minnis

Key Highlights:

• Preliminary determination for countervailing duty delayed from March 13, 2025, to May 19, 2025.
• American Active Anode Material Producers requested the delay to allow U.S. trade authorities more time to analyse responses.
• Investigation examines potential unfair Chinese government subsidies for graphite-based anode material.

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The U.S. Department of Commerce initiated this countervailing duty investigation on January 7, 2025, to determine whether Chinese producers of active anode material – used in lithium-ion batteries – receive unfair government subsidies that distort competition.

The delay follows a formal request by the American Active Anode Material Producers, who argued that additional time was needed for U.S. trade authorities to review industry responses and issue supplemental questionnaires before making a preliminary ruling. Under U.S. trade law, such extensions are permitted if a request is made at least 25 days before the ruling, and Commerce finds no compelling reason to deny it.

With the preliminary ruling now set for May 19, 2025, and the final determination expected 75 days later in early August 2025.

More info can be found here