US slaps 160%+ tariffs on Chinese graphite imports in major win for domestic producers
The US Department of Commerce has announced final determinations imposing combined duties exceeding 160% on Chinese anode active materials (AAM) imported into the United States. The tariffs, which include a 93.5% antidumping duty on specified Chinese companies and a 102.72% China-wide duty on other exporters, remain subject to a final affirmative determination by the US International Trade Commission expected in March 2026.
Novonix Limited (ASX: NVX) acknowledged the determinations on 13 February 2026, positioning the announcement as a significant shift in the competitive landscape for US anode materials. The new duties add to existing tariffs: a 25% Section 301 tariff and a 20% IEEPA tariff already in effect on Chinese AAM imports.
A countervailing duty of 66.82% to 66.86% will apply to all AAM imports from Chinese producers, with these measures remaining in effect unless revoked and subject to five-year review cycles. The cumulative tariff structure fundamentally alters the cost equation for battery manufacturers choosing between Chinese imports and domestic suppliers.
| Tariff Type | Rate | Scope | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antidumping (specified companies) | 93.5% | Chinese AAM exporters | Final determination |
| Antidumping (China-wide) | 102.72% | All other Chinese exporters | Final determination |
| Countervailing duty | 66.82%-66.86% | All Chinese AAM producers | Final determination |
| Section 301 tariff | 25% | Pre-existing | In effect |
| IEEPA tariff | 20% | Pre-existing | Under Supreme Court review |
The duties apply broadly to anode-graphite materials as defined by Commerce, including synthetic and natural graphite products, whether coated or uncoated, and blended materials used in lithium-ion battery applications.
What are anode active materials and why do these tariffs matter?
Anode active materials form the negative electrode in lithium-ion batteries, with graphite (both synthetic and natural) serving as the dominant material type. AAMs represent a critical component in battery cells.
The duties cover the full spectrum of graphite-based anode materials: synthetic graphite, natural graphite, coated products, uncoated products, and blended formulations used in lithium-ion battery applications. China currently dominates global graphite processing and AAM production, creating supply chain concentration risks for battery manufacturers.
For US battery manufacturing operations, the tariff structure creates a structural cost advantage for domestically sourced materials over Chinese imports. The five-year review cycle provides medium-term policy certainty rather than temporary trade measures.
How Novonix stands to benefit from the tariff shake-up
Novonix positions itself as holding the most advanced synthetic graphite production capability in North America, with operations headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The company’s domestic manufacturing footprint offers battery manufacturers a supply solution that avoids the new duty structure.
CEO Mike O’Kronley stated the determinations represent a meaningful step toward restoring fair competition in the US anode materials market.
Mike O’Kronley, CEO of NOVONIX
“These determinations represent a meaningful step toward restoring fair competition in the U.S. anode materials market. By addressing longstanding trade distortions, these measures strengthen the foundation for domestic production of critical battery materials, accelerate investment in U.S. manufacturing, and support the creation of high-quality advanced manufacturing jobs. We believe this materially enhances NOVONIX’s competitive position as we continue scaling synthetic graphite production in North America.”
The tariff protection supports Novonix’s scaling strategy as domestic battery OEMs and cell manufacturers now face strong economic incentives to source from US-based suppliers rather than absorb the combined 160%+ duty burden on Chinese imports.
Novonix’s North American positioning
The company is building a North American platform for critical battery materials centred on its Chattanooga operations:
- Chattanooga headquarters and anode materials operations
- Patented all-dry, precursor-free cathode synthesis technology
- Industry-leading battery cell testing and R&D services
This integrated approach positions Novonix as an integrated supplier of advanced battery materials and technologies, with the company emphasising supply chain resilience and US energy security as strategic priorities.
What happens next for the tariffs
The final determinations announced in February 2026 remain subject to an ITC final determination on material impediment expected in March 2026. If the ITC affirms that the US AAM industry has been materially impeded by Chinese imports, the duties will take full effect.
Once implemented, the duties will remain in effect unless revoked, with five-year review cycles providing ongoing assessment of market conditions. The existing 20% IEEPA tariff’s legal validity is currently under review by the US Supreme Court, though this represents a separate proceeding not directly affecting the newly announced Commerce determinations.
The timeline for key milestones:
- February 2026: Commerce final determinations announced
- March 2026: ITC final determination expected
- Ongoing: Five-year review cycles for duty assessments
The March 2026 ITC decision represents the near-term catalyst, determining whether the new duty structure takes full effect. For domestic graphite producers, the five-year review cycle provides medium-term visibility on trade policy settings affecting competitive positioning in the North American battery materials market.
Novonix stated it supports transparent and rules-based enforcement of US trade laws, positioning the determinations as promoting fair competition, strengthening domestic battery supply chains, and encouraging long-term capital investment in advanced manufacturing in the United States.
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