[Ferro-Alloys.com] Initiation of an Anti-Dumping Duty Investigation of Graphite Electrodes Originating in the People’s Republic of China

External Economic Policy

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) today decided to initiate a new anti-dumping investigation of graphite electrodes originating in the People’s Republic of China.

1．Background

On February 26, 2024, the Minister of Finance received an application to impose an anti-dumping duty on graphite electrodes* originating in the People’s Republic of China**, from SEC Carbon Ltd., Tokai Carbon, Co., Ltd., and Nippon Carbon Co., Ltd. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) examined the application in accordance with the WTO Agreements and related domestic laws and regulations. The examination showed that the application had sufficient evidence to justify the initiation of an investigation. Therefore, the ministries have decided to initiate a joint investigation (Public Notice on April 24, 2024).

*Note: Graphite electrodes, of poles, mainly used in electric arc furnaces to melt steel scrap with an electric current.
** Note: Excluding the regions of Hong Kong and Macao.

2. Outline of the Investigation

The investigation is to be concluded within one year, in principle. The ministries will provide opportunities for interested parties, including suppliers in China, domestic producers, and importers of graphite electrodes, to present evidence, while carrying out a factual investigation.
Based on the results of the investigation, in accordance with the WTO Agreements and related domestic laws and regulations, the Government of Japan will determine whether or not the product has been imported into Japan at dumped prices and whether such dumped imports have caused or threatened material injury to the domestic industry, and make a decision on whether or not to impose an anti-dumping duty on products subject to the investigation.

Reference

• Summary of the Written Application from the Domestic Industry(PDF:65KB)
• Questionnaire (Japanese)

Division in Charge

• Office for Trade Remedy Investigations, Trade Control Department, Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau
• Material Industries Division, Manufacturing Industries Bureau

April 24, 2024

• [Editor:tianyawei]