FX.co ★ U.S. Eyes Duties on Chinese Battery Materials Over Subsidies

The U.S. Commerce Department has initially determined that Chinese manufacturers of essential battery materials like graphite and silicon, crucial for electric vehicle (EV) anodes, have received unfair subsidies. This sets the groundwork for possible anti-subsidy duties. U.S. graphite producers, among the complainants, have claimed that substantial state support from China has skewed prices and undermined their competitive edge. The Commerce Department identified subsidies as high as 721%, leading to the announcement of preliminary duties on May 20. A separate investigation into alleged unfair pricing is still underway, with final decisions anticipated later this year. These potential tariffs could increase the cost of U.S.-produced EVs, particularly as a Republican tax proposal threatens to eliminate consumer credits. These trade measures are distinct from the tariffs implemented during the Trump administration and planned new duties on other products such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.