U.S. Silicon Metal Producers Challenge Foreign Imports with Trade Petitions

Two prominent U.S. silicon metal manufacturers have initiated legal proceedings against international competitors, alleging unfair trade practices that threaten domestic industrial capabilities. Ferroglobe USA, Inc. and Mississippi Silicon LLC have filed antidumping and countervailing duty petitions with the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. International Trade Commission targeting imports from Angola, Australia, Laos, Norway, and Thailand.

The petitions argue that these foreign producers are selling silicon metal at artificially low prices, with alleged dumping margins reaching up to 337.84%. Silicon metal, a critical raw material used in national security-related industries such as semiconductor production, aluminum manufacturing, and electronics, is central to the dispute.

According to company leadership, these imported products are significantly undercutting domestic producers' market position. Marco Levi, CEO of Ferroglobe PLC, emphasized that the dumped and subsidized imports are harming U.S. industry volumes and pricing structures. Eddie Boardwine of Mississippi Silicon stressed that while American producers are globally competitive, the current import practices are undermining fair market dynamics.

The legal challenge covers silicon metal containing between 85.00 and 99.99 percent silicon, with less than 4.00 percent iron by weight. The investigations are expected to progress with Commerce initiating detailed reviews by May 14, 2025, and a preliminary International Trade Commission determination anticipated by June 9, 2025.

These proceedings represent a significant effort to protect domestic manufacturing interests and ensure equitable international trade practices. By challenging these imports, the U.S. producers aim to safeguard not only their own economic interests but also the broader strategic capabilities of American industries reliant on high-quality silicon metal.

The potential outcomes could include implementing special import duties that would level the competitive landscape and provide relief to domestic manufacturers. This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by U.S. industrial sectors in maintaining competitiveness within global markets characterized by complex trade dynamics.