US slaps 160% duties on Chinese graphite anode materials

The United States has recently imposed 160% duties on Chinese graphite anode materials, a key component in electric vehicle batteries, as part of ongoing efforts to protect domestic manufacturing and address trade concerns. The steep tariff, announced by the US Department of Commerce, significantly increases the cost of importing these critical materials from China, which currently dominates the global graphite supply chain. Graphite anodes are essential components in lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and consumer electronics, making this trade policy decision particularly impactful for multiple industries. The move follows increasing scrutiny of China's dominance in critical mineral supply chains and comes amid broader efforts to reshoring strategic manufacturing capabilities to the United States. The decision also reflects growing concerns about national security implications as the world transitions toward electric mobility and renewable energy technologies that rely heavily on battery components.