Singapore’s primary Chinese language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao recently reported that the U.S. Commerce Department launched the investigation into the import of drones, drone parts and polysilicon, a key solar material, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. It is the latest move by the Trump administration to review and potentially impose tariffs on industries deemed critical to national security.
The U.S. Commerce Secretary is due to submit his findings within 270 days. If the investigation determines that the drones, drone parts and polysilicon imports under review pose a threat to national security, the U.S. government may impose tariffs on those imports.
The U.S. Department of Commerce issued another statement on July 17, announcing a preliminary finding that China’s graphite exports had been unfairly subsidized by the Chinese government, and therefore that all Chinese graphite producers exporting to the United States would be subject to a uniform 93.5 percent anti-dumping tax. The final ruling is expected on December 5.
Source:
1. Lianhe Zaobao, July 15, 2025
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/world/story20250715-7144110
2. Lianhe Zaobao, July 18, 2025
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20250718-7167288