ITC Rejects Graphite Tariffs on March 12, Contradicting Commerce Dept.
The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) on March 12, 2026, dealt a significant blow to the burgeoning domestic graphite industry by ruling against the imposition of tariffs on Chinese graphite imports. This decision directly contradicts the findings of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Commerce Department had previously concluded that imports of subsidized Chinese graphite active anode material (AAM) were being sold at artificially low prices and were actively harming the development of a U.S. domestic industry. The ruling effectively prevents the implementation of duties designed to level the playing field for North American producers.
Decision Exposes North American Miners to Subsidized Competition
This ruling ensures that North American graphite producers, such as Northern Graphite Corporation (NGC), will continue to face intense competition from state-subsidized Chinese suppliers. The absence of protective tariffs is expected to exert downward pressure on the stock prices of domestic graphite companies and may delay investment in a North American supply chain for critical battery materials. While Northern Graphite expressed disappointment with the decision, the company stated its belief that the broader momentum toward establishing a domestic graphite industry remains strong, signaling long-term confidence despite the near-term setback.
