Amid the United States’ aggressive tariff war against China, Japan has recently announced a 95.2% tariff on Chinese-made graphite electrodes to prevent their dumping at low prices in the Japanese market.
Last month, during a Japanese cabinet meeting, a decision was made to impose a 95.2% tariff on graphite electrodes originating from China under the Customs Tariff Act. This move aims to address the alleged damage caused to domestic industries by the unfair import of low-priced graphite electrodes from China. The tariff will be in effect for a period of four months, from March 29 to July 28. Japan will continue its investigation, considering the possibility of implementing measures for up to five years if necessary.
Previously, Japan imposed tariffs of only 2.1% or 3.3% on Chinese-made graphite electrodes.
Japanese companies have long been discontent with the import of low-priced graphite electrodes from China. In February of last year, three Japanese graphite manufacturers, SEC Carbon (located in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture), along with Carbon from Toho Carbon and Japan Carbon, submitted written documents to the Tokyo government requesting anti-dumping duties.
The Japanese Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry announced an investigation in April last year. In a midterm report released in February this year, they decided to assess the actual damages suffered by Japanese manufacturers domestically. The final results of the investigation are expected to be released no later than the end of October this year.
China is the world’s largest exporter of graphite, with its natural graphite production accounting for approximately half of the global market share. Despite Japan imposing a 95.2% tariff on Chinese-made graphite electrodes, the Chinese authorities have yet to make any response.