U.S.: government proposes heavy tariffs on key EV batteries material

On July 17, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced plans to impose a preliminary anti-dumping tariff of 93.5% on graphite imported from China, stating that the material, a key component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, is being sold at a price below fair market value.

When combined with existing countervailing and retaliatory measures, the total tariff burden on Chinese graphite could reach nearly 160%.

The U.S. currently relies heavily on graphite imports, with the majority of these imports sourced from China. The proposed tariffs are expected to raise the cost of sourcing graphite for U.S.-based battery manufacturers and may significantly affect the domestic EV battery supply chain.

To reduce reliance o