U.S. silicon metal producers Ferroglobe USA, Inc. and Mississippi Silicon LLC have initiated legal action against international manufacturers from Angola, Australia, Laos, Norway, and Thailand, alleging systemic unfair trade practices that threaten domestic industrial capabilities.
The companies filed antidumping and countervailing duty petitions with the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. International Trade Commission, presenting evidence of pricing strategies that potentially undermine American manufacturing. The petitions highlight dumping margins as high as 337.84% and numerous alleged subsidies that distort market competition.
Silicon metal, a critical raw material containing at least 85% elemental silicon, plays a crucial role in multiple high-technology and national security-related industries. The material is essential for producing aluminum, silicones, polysilicon, and components used in semiconductor, solar, and electronics applications.
Marco Levi, CEO of Ferroglobe PLC, emphasized the significant impact of these imports, stating that dumped and subsidized products have dramatically reduced volumes and prices for domestic producers. Eddie Boardwine, CEO of Mississippi Silicon, argued that while American manufacturers can compete globally, the current import practices create an uneven playing field that threatens domestic industrial capacity.
The legal action covers all silicon metal forms and sizes meeting specific compositional requirements. Anticipated next steps include Commerce initiating investigations by May 14, 2025, with a preliminary International Trade Commission determination expected by June 9, 2025.
The petitions represent a critical effort to protect domestic manufacturing, highlighting broader concerns about international trade practices and their potential impact on U.S. industrial competitiveness. By challenging these imports, the silicon metal producers aim to restore fair market conditions and safeguard the strategic importance of domestic production in technologically advanced sectors.
