U.S. Department of Commerce Increases Duties on Chinese Battery-Grade Graphite to 160%+ in Final Determinations

Rhea-AI Summary

NOVONIX (NASDAQ: NVX) acknowledged U.S. Department of Commerce final determinations imposing combined antidumping and countervailing duties that raise total tariffs on Chinese anode active materials (AAM) to at least 160%, subject to a March 2026 U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) material-impediment finding.

Key details: antidumping duties of 93.5% (specified companies) and 102.72% (China-wide); countervailing duties of 66.82%–66.86%; duties remain unless revoked and will be reviewed every five years. Previously imposed 25% and 20% tariffs remain in effect.

Positive

• Tariffs total at least 160% on Chinese AAM imports
• Antidumping duties of 93.5% (specified firms) and 102.72% (China-wide)
• Countervailing duties of 66.82%–66.86% on China producers

Negative

• ITC final finding required before duties take full effect; decision expected March 2026
• IEEPA 20% tariff legal validity is under U.S. Supreme Court review, creating regulatory uncertainty

Key Figures

Total new tariffs: at least 160% Antidumping duty (specified firms): 93.5% Antidumping duty (China-wide): 102.72% +3 more

6 metrics

Total new tariffs at least 160% Combined antidumping and countervailing duties on Chinese AAM, subject to ITC decision

Antidumping duty (specified firms) 93.5% Imposed on AAM imports from specified Chinese companies

Antidumping duty (China-wide) 102.72% China-wide duty on all other AAM exporters

Countervailing duty range 66.82%–66.86% Applied to all AAM imports from Chinese producers

Existing Section 301 tariff 25% Previously imposed on AAM imports from China and remaining in effect

Existing IEEPA tariff 20% Previously imposed on AAM imports from China, legal validity under Supreme Court review

Market Reality Check

Price: $0.8770 Vol: Volume 665,509 is below t...

low vol

$0.8770 Last Close

Volume Volume 665,509 is below the 20-day average of 1,174,127 (relative volume 0.57). low

Technical Shares at 0.877, trading below the 200-day MA of 1.29 and 77.28% under the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

NVX fell 5.7% with below-average volume while peers showed mixed moves: ELVA app...

1 Up 1 Down

NVX fell 5.7% with below-average volume while peers showed mixed moves: ELVA appeared in momentum scanners moving down about 6.17%, whereas NEOV appeared moving up about 4.84%. This mix, plus NVX’s policy-focused news, points to a stock-specific reaction rather than a unified sector move.

Common Catalyst Same-day peer headlines center on company-specific earnings and partnership updates, contrasting with NVX’s trade-policy-focused announcement.

Historical Context

1 past event · Latest: Sep 29 (Positive)

Pattern 1 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Sep 29	Operational milestone	Positive	+16.4%	First mass production synthetic graphite sample delivery and capacity build-out plans.

Pattern Detected

The prior major operational milestone news coincided with a strong positive price reaction, contrasting with the negative move on this positive trade-policy development.

Recent Company History

On Sep 29, 2025, NOVONIX reported a critical operational milestone, delivering its first mass production commercial-grade synthetic graphite sample and outlining plans for large-scale capacity, which saw shares rise 16.39% over 24 hours. Today’s announcement details substantial U.S. antidumping and countervailing duties on Chinese battery-grade graphite, which could structurally benefit domestic producers like NOVONIX, yet the stock moved down ahead of or despite this supportive policy backdrop.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement details final U.S. antidumping and countervailing duty determinations that place c...

Analysis

This announcement details final U.S. antidumping and countervailing duty determinations that place combined tariffs of at least 160% on Chinese anode active materials, alongside existing 25% and 20% tariffs. For NOVONIX, the news underscores a more protected U.S. market for synthetic and natural graphite AAM. In context of its earlier manufacturing milestone and expansion plans, investors may focus on execution, timelines for ITC confirmation in March 2026, and how policy support translates into actual volumes and contracts.

Key Terms

antidumping duty, countervailing duty, International Trade Commission, Section 301, +2 more

6 terms

antidumping duty regulatory

"An antidumping duty of 93.5% will be imposed on AAM imports from China..."

An antidumping duty is an extra tariff a government charges on imported goods sold at prices below their normal value — similar to a penalty tax when a seller undercuts local sellers by selling too cheaply. It aims to protect domestic industries from unfair low-priced competition; for investors it can raise costs for companies that rely on those imports, change competitive dynamics, affect profit margins, and alter supply chains and stock valuations.

countervailing duty regulatory

"A countervailing duty of 66.82% to 66.86% will be imposed on all AAM imports..."

A countervailing duty is a tariff a government places on imported goods to neutralize the effect of foreign government subsidies that make those goods artificially cheap. It matters to investors because it can raise costs for importers or shield domestic producers, affecting profit margins, sales volumes and supply chains—much like a referee adding weight to balance a tipped scale, which can shift competitive advantage and stock prices.

International Trade Commission regulatory

"subject to a final affirmative determination by the U.S. International Trade Commission..."

A government body that acts like a referee for cross-border commerce, reviewing complaints about unfair practices, banned imports, tariffs or patent violations and issuing rulings or penalties. Its decisions can quickly change which foreign products can be sold, add costs through duties or block imports entirely, so investors watch rulings for sudden impacts on a company’s sales, supply chains, profit margins and competitive position.

Section 301 regulatory

"The previously imposed 25% tariff under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974..."

Section 301 is a provision of U.S. trade law that lets the government investigate and respond to foreign trade practices it considers unfair, often by imposing tariffs, import restrictions, or other penalties. For investors, Section 301 actions can act like a sudden rule change in a game—they can raise costs, disrupt supply chains, change competitive positions, and quickly affect company profits and stock values.

International Emergency Economic Powers Act regulatory

"20% tariff under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) on AAM imports..."

A U.S. law that gives the president broad authority to control trade, financial transactions, and assets during a declared national emergency, such as by imposing sanctions, freezing property, or restricting exports and imports. For investors it matters because those powers can suddenly block deals, cut off access to markets or funds, and change the value of companies or securities much like an emergency brake that can stop or reroute economic activity overnight.

lithium-ion battery technical

"blended materials used in lithium-ion battery applications."

A lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable energy cell that stores and releases power by moving lithium ions between two electrodes, like a pump moving water back and forth to hold and deliver energy. Investors care because these batteries power electric vehicles, portable electronics and grid storage, so factors such as cost, energy density, lifespan, and raw-material supply directly affect manufacturing costs, product competitiveness and long-term company profits.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Feb. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NOVONIX Limited (NASDAQ: NVX, ASX: NVX) (“NOVONIX” or the “Company”), today acknowledged the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (“Commerce”) final determinations in the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations covering anode active materials (“AAM”) imported into the U.S. from China. The total amount of the tariffs applicable to AAM imported from China will be at least 160%, subject to a final affirmative determination by the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”) that the U.S. AAM industry has been materially impeded because of Chinese AAM imports. The ITC’s final determination is expected in March 2026.

Highlights
Subject to the ITC’s final determination on material impediment:

• An antidumping duty of 93.5% will be imposed on AAM imports from China from specified companies and a duty of 102.72% will be imposed China-wide on all other exporters
• A countervailing duty of 66.82% to 66.86% will be imposed on all AAM imports from China producers
• These duties will remain in effect unless revoked and will be reviewed every five years
  
  

“These determinations represent a meaningful step toward restoring fair competition in the U.S. anode materials market,” said Mike O’Kronley, CEO of NOVONIX. “By addressing longstanding trade distortions, these measures strengthen the foundation for domestic production of critical battery materials, accelerate investment in U.S. manufacturing, and support the creation of high-quality advanced manufacturing jobs. We believe this materially enhances NOVONIX’s competitive position as we continue scaling synthetic graphite production in North America.”

The duties apply broadly to anode-graphite materials, as defined by Commerce, including synthetic and natural graphite products, whether coated or uncoated, and blended materials used in lithium-ion battery applications.

The previously imposed 25% tariff under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and 20% tariff under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) on AAM imports from China remain in effect. The legal validity of the IEEPA tariffs is currently under review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

NOVONIX supports the transparent and rules-based enforcement of U.S. trade laws and believes these determinations represent an important step in promoting fair competition, strengthening domestic battery supply chains, and encouraging long-term capital investment in advanced manufacturing in the United States.

With the most advanced synthetic graphite production capability in North America, NOVONIX is strategically positioned to support customers seeking secure, domestically produced anode materials. The Company continues to execute on its strategy to expand high-performance synthetic graphite production in the United States, reinforcing supply chain resilience, U.S. energy security, and long-term manufacturing competitiveness.

Additional information regarding the determinations is available through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Enforcement and Compliance records.

This announcement has been authorized for release by NOVONIX Chairman,
Mr. Ron Edmonds.

About NOVONIX
NOVONIX strives to reduce supply chain risk, support U.S. energy independence, and establish a resilient battery materials supply chain. The company is building a North American platform for critical battery materials—anchored by its Chattanooga, Tennessee headquarters and anode materials operations, expanding through its patented all-dry, precursor-free cathode synthesis technology, and supported by industry-leading battery cell testing and R&D services.
Together, these capabilities position NOVONIX as an integrated supplier of advanced battery materials and technologies powering the energy storage and electrification economy.

To learn more, visit us at www.novonixgroup.com or on LinkedIn and X.

For NOVONIX Limited
Investors: ir@novonixgroup.com
Media: media@novonixgroup.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements about the Company and the industry in which it operates. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” or “would,” or other similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements in this communication include, among others, statements made regarding the creation and development of new technology, anticipated production capacity at its facilities, anticipated customer demand, the impacts of economic uncertainty, tariffs, and other legislation on our timely achievement of targets and customer milestones, our ability to obtain or maintain and benefit from additional government funding and other support, our expectations of the benefit of the antidumping and countervailing duty determinations, tariffs imposed on China and other countries, improving and growing battery testing equipment and research and development services business, continued investment in and efforts to commercialize the cathode synthesis technology, and efforts to help localize the battery supply chain for critical materials and play a leading role in the transition to cleaner energy solutions.

The Company has based such statements on current expectations and projections about future events and trends that it believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Such forward-looking statements involve and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the timely deployment and scaling of its furnace technology, ability to meet the technical specifications and demand of existing and future customers, the accuracy of estimates regarding market size, expenses, future revenue, capital requirements, needs and access for additional financing, the availability and impact and compliance with the applicable terms of government funding and other support, ability to obtain patent rights effective to protect its technologies and processes and successfully defend any challenges to such rights and prevent others from commercializing such technologies and processes, and regulatory and economic developments in the United States, Australia, and other jurisdictions. These and other factors that could affect its business and results are included in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 20-F. Copies of these filings may be obtained by visiting the Company’s Investor Relations website at www.novonixgroup.com or the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes, and actual performance and outcomes may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this communication. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement in this communication is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

FAQ

What did NOVONIX (NVX) announce on February 12, 2026 about Chinese anode material duties?

NOVONIX said the U.S. Commerce Department set combined duties raising tariffs on Chinese AAM to at least 160%. According to the company, antidumping and countervailing rates combine to reach that floor, pending the ITC’s March 2026 finding.

What are the specific antidumping and countervailing rates affecting NVX-relevant materials?

Antidumping rates are 93.5% for specified firms and 102.72% China-wide; countervailing duties are 66.82%–66.86%. According to the company, these apply broadly to synthetic and natural graphite AAM.

When will the ITC decide whether the new duties on Chinese AAM take effect for NVX?

The ITC’s final material-impediment determination is expected in March 2026. According to the company, duties become effective only if the ITC finds the U.S. AAM industry materially impeded.

How might the new duties affect NOVONIX’s competitive position in North America?

NOVONIX says the duties materially enhance its competitive position as it scales U.S. synthetic graphite production. According to the company, the measures could accelerate domestic investment and strengthen supply-chain resilience.

Do the new Commerce duties replace existing tariffs on Chinese AAM relevant to NVX?

No; the previously imposed 25% Section 301 tariff and 20% IEEPA tariff remain in effect. According to the company, those earlier tariffs continue alongside the Commerce determinations.

Is there any legal or regulatory uncertainty investors should note about the NVX announcement?

Yes; the IEEPA 20% tariff’s legal validity is under review by the U.S. Supreme Court, creating potential legal uncertainty. According to the company, that review is ongoing while Commerce determinations progress.