US International Trade Commission Unanimously Votes to Continue Investigation of Chinese AAM Imports to United States

On 31 January 2025, the United States International Trade Commission (“Commission”) determined that there is reasonable indication that the establishment of a domestic active anode material (“AAM”) industry in the United States has been harmed by imports from China, allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and are believed to be subsidised by the government of China.

On 15 January 2025, the US Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) announced the initiation of an antidumping and countervailing duty (“AD/CVD”) investigation into Chinese AAM imports, which is proceeding concurrently with the Commission’s investigation. The Commission’s preliminary determination paves the way for Commerce to move forward with this investigation with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on 13 March 2025 and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about 27 May 2025. If Commerce reaches affirmative preliminary determinations in its AD/CVD investigation, US Customs and Border Protection will begin collecting AD/CVD cash deposits from Chinese AAM importers based on the preliminary margins determined by Commerce.

The Commission’s final phase of investigation is expected to conclude later his year. If both the Commission and Commerce reach affirmative final determinations, AD orders on Chinese AAM from China and a CVD order on Chinese AAM will be issued, imposing duties on Chinese AAM imports for a minimum of five years.

The Commission’s preliminary determination is available at: https://www.usitc.gov/secretary/fed_reg_notices/701_731/701_752_notice02032024sgl.pdf   

Further information on the Commission’s investigation is available at: https://ids.usitc.gov/case/8249/investigation/8680.