Luanda, June 9, 2025 (Lusa) - The US International Trade Commission (USITC) is investigating imports of silicon metal from Angola, Australia, Laos, Norway and Thailand for alleged “dumping”.

In a statement posted on its website, the USITC said there is "reasonable evidence" that the US industry is suffering material injury due to imports of silicon metal from Australia, Laos and Norway, allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidised by the governments of those countries.

The Commission also determined that there is reasonable evidence of a threat of material injury to the US industry due to imports of silicon metal from Angola, allegedly sold at less than fair value, and imports of silicon metal from Thailand, allegedly subsidised by the Thai government.

If it is confirmed that Angola and the other countries are selling below fair value. In that case, the US may impose additional tariffs (known as “anti-dumping” or countervailing duties) to make these products more expensive and protect local production.

According to the USITC, the US Department of Commerce will continue to review imports of silicon metal from these countries. Preliminary decisions on anti-dumping duties for Angola, Australia, Laos and Norway are expected to be adopted on 1 October this year.

Preliminary decisions on countervailing duties for Australia, Laos, Norway and Thailand are expected to be adopted on 18 July 2025.

The Commission's public report is expected to be available by 14 July 2025.

Angola exported 1,675 tonnes of silicon metal to the US in 2024, worth around US$4.15 million (€3.8 million), according to the US Department of Commerce.

This type of metal is used, for example, in solar panels, aluminium alloys and semiconductors.

RCR/ADB // ADB.

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