Large diameter graphite electrodes from China: preliminary affirmative AD LTFV and critical circumstances
China AD preliminary LTFV for large diameter graphite electrodes with critical circumstances. China-wide AFA rate, July 2 lookback, and how this differs from the CVD notice.
Commerce preliminarily determines that large diameter graphite electrodes from China are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United States at less than fair value, and preliminarily finds critical circumstances for the China-wide entity. Applicable September 30, 2026 (91 FR 61828; FR Doc. 2026-20030). Case A-570-220. POI July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. This is the AD LTFV preliminary determination, distinct from the earlier China CVD critical-circumstances notice (CVD critical circumstances).
China large diameter graphite electrodes AD: prelim affirmative LTFV and critical circumstances. China-wide entity 98.79% AFA (cash deposit 95.61%). Suspend from July 2, 2026. No separate-rate respondents.
Preliminary margin
China-Wide Entity: 98.79% WADM (AFA) · cash deposit 95.61% (subsidy-offset adjusted)
POI: July 1–Dec 31, 2025 · Initiation published March 20, 2026
No respondent qualified for a separate rate; no producer/exporter combination rates
Commerce preliminarily relied on facts otherwise available with adverse inferences (AFA) for the China-wide entity, including companies that did not respond to quantity-and-value requests, did not submit a separate rate application, or did not respond to Commerce's initial questionnaire. Because no firm demonstrated separate-rate eligibility, all are treated as part of the China-wide entity.
Critical circumstances and suspension
Commerce preliminarily determines that critical circumstances exist with respect to imports from the China-wide entity. Suspension of liquidation applies to unliquidated entries entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the date that is 90 days before publication of this notice. Publication is September 30, 2026, so that lookback date is July 2, 2026. For all Chinese producers/exporters treated as the China-wide entity, and for third-country exporters supplied by that entity, the cash deposit rate is the China-wide rate above.
The September 24 CVD critical-circumstances determination (91 FR 60593; C-570-221) suspends from May 1, 2026 at July 30 CVD prelim subsidy rates. This September 30 AD LTFV notice uses China-wide AD rate 98.79% (CD 95.61%) with July 2, 2026 lookback. Pull rates from the correct FR Doc.
Scope, briefing, and final clock
Scope matches the companion India LTFV investigation: large diameter graphite electrodes with nominal or actual diameter exceeding 425 millimeters (16.7 inches), plus covered pin joining systems; origin by country of graphitization. HTSUS 8545.11.0020 (also may enter under 3801.10.5090 or 3801.90.0050). Written description controls. Certain TES graphite blocks are excluded as in Appendix I.
Case briefs are due no later than 14 days after publication; rebuttal briefs no later than five days after the case-brief deadline. Because all producers/exporters are preliminarily part of the China-wide entity, verification will not be conducted. Commerce will issue the final determination no later than 75 days after the September 22, 2026 signature date of this preliminary determination. AD/CVD remain generally outside drawback (AD/CVD drawback exclusion).
- Prelim affirmative AD LTFV and critical circumstances for large diameter graphite electrodes from China (91 FR 61828; FR Doc. 2026-20030; A-570-220; applicable Sept 30, 2026). POI July 1–Dec 31, 2025.
- China-wide entity 98.79% AFA; cash deposit 95.61% (companion CVD subsidy-offset adjusted). No separate-rate respondents.
- Suspend unliquidated China-wide entries on or after July 2, 2026 (90 days before Sept 30 publication).
- Distinct from CVD critical-circumstances notice 91 FR 60593 (May 1 lookback; CVD rates). Use the correct case and FR Doc for deposits.
- Case briefs within 14 days of publication; final within 75 days of the Sept 22, 2026 signature date. AD/CVD generally outside drawback.
- Large Diameter Graphite Electrodes From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Critical Circumstances (91 FR 61828; FR Doc. 2026-20030) · International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce
This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Drawback eligibility depends on your specific facts, and final refunds are determined by CBP at liquidation. Consult a licensed customs broker or attorney for your situation.