CENTENNIAL, Colo., May 29, 2025 –Westwater Resources, Inc. (NYSE American: WWR), an energy technology and battery-grade natural graphite company (“Westwater” or the “Company”), announced today its support of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (“DOC”) preliminary determination in the countervailing duty investigation of anode material from the People’s Republic of China. The DOC’s initial ruling determined that Chinese producers of anode material are receiving unfair government subsidies, and as a result, are now expected to be subject to U.S. import tariffs of up to 721%.
“This important decision by the DOC is another step toward leveling the playing field for U.S. producers,” said Jon Jacobs, Westwater’s Chief Commercial Officer. “We expect this announcement to accelerate off-take agreements with Westwater and to positively affect our ongoing financing efforts. U.S. automaker and cellmaker buyers are increasingly concluding that executing offtake supply agreements with U.S. producers like Westwater is the surest way to avoid import tariffs and is therefore their most economical long-term solution.”
Pursuant to the preliminary determination, select Chinese natural and artificial graphite anode material producers will be subject to U.S. import tariffs of up to 721% in addition to pre-existing Section 301 and reciprocal tariffs already totaling 55%.
The DOC is also conducting a concurrent antidumping investigation into anode materials imports from the People’s Republic of China. This investigation is focused on determining whether Chinese producers are selling graphite-based anode materials in the United States at unfairly low prices – thereby harming U.S. producers. A preliminary decision is expected in July, and if the DOC finds sufficient evidence of dumping, it could impose additional duties and broader penalties.
Mr. Jacobs added, “The outcome of the antidumping investigation is expected to play a critical role in supporting the development of a robust, secure, and fair domestic supply chain for graphite and battery materials, which are vital to U.S. energy independence and national security. For companies like Westwater Resources that are investing in sustainable, U.S.-based production capabilities, these trade actions should help reduce the nation’s reliance on foreign supply chains and benefit domestic producers.”