Large diameter graphite electrodes from India: preliminary affirmative LTFV and critical circumstances

Commerce preliminarily determines that large diameter graphite electrodes from India are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United States at less-than-fair-value. The notice also includes a preliminary affirmative critical circumstances determination, postponement of the final determination, and extension of provisional measures. Applicable September 30, 2026 (91 FR 61825; FR Doc. 2026-20031). Case A-533-948. POI January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025.

India large diameter graphite electrodes: prelim affirmative LTFV and critical circumstances. GIL 12.22% (CD 9.88%); HEG 4.97% (CD 1.15%); all others 6.95% (CD 3.53%). Suspend from July 2, 2026. Final postponed to within 135 days of publication.

Preliminary dumping margins

Commerce calculated estimated weighted-average dumping margins for Graphite India Limited (GIL) and HEG Limited that are not zero, de minimis, or based entirely on facts otherwise available. The all-others rate uses a weighted average of those examined respondents' margins based on each company's publicly ranged values for the merchandise under consideration. Cash deposit rates above are adjusted for companion CVD export-subsidy offsets while CVD provisional measures remain in effect.

Critical circumstances and suspension

Commerce preliminarily finds that critical circumstances exist for GIL, HEG, and all other producers and exporters of the subject merchandise. Under section 733(e)(2)(A), suspension of liquidation applies to unliquidated entries entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the date that is 90 days before publication of this notice.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.

Scope, HTSUS, and final schedule

Scope covers large diameter graphite electrodes of any length, whether or not finished, of a kind used in furnaces, with a nominal or actual diameter exceeding 425 millimeters (16.7 inches), plus certain graphite pin joining systems (minimum diameter 228.6 mm (9 inches) at widest transverse cross-section). Country of origin is the country of graphitization. Primary HTSUS statistical reporting number: 8545.11.0020 (also may enter under 3801.10.5090 or 3801.90.0050). Written scope controls. Certain TES graphite blocks are excluded as described in Appendix I.

Petitioners and HEG requested postponement of the final determination with extension of provisional measures to not more than six months. Commerce is postponing the final determination to no later than 135 days after publication of this preliminary determination. AD/CVD deposits and assessed duties remain generally outside drawback (AD/CVD drawback exclusion).

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.