The US International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to continue its investigations into imports of large diameter graphite electrodes from India and China, a move that could have implications for Indian exporters and the domestic steel ecosystem.
Preliminary findings indicate injury to US industry
The Commission determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured due to imports of large diameter graphite electrodes from India and China, which are allegedly being sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidised by their respective governments.
Chair Amy A. Karpel and Commissioners David S. Johanson and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative, paving the way for further scrutiny.
Commerce department to continue investigations
Following the USITC’s decision, the US Department of Commerce will proceed with its anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations into these imports.
Implications for Indian exporters
The development assumes significance for Indian manufacturers of graphite electrodes, a critical input in electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking. Any potential duties or trade restrictions could impact export volumes and pricing competitiveness in the US market, one of the key destinations for Indian specialty industrial products.
At the same time, the probe highlights increasing global trade scrutiny around industrial materials linked to core sectors such as steel, where India has been steadily expanding its footprint.