The Japanese government believes that graphite electrodes imported from China at unfairly low prices are hurting domestic producers. It says it will consider how to respond, including possible anti-dumping duties.



The government released an interim report on its investigation on Friday.



The probe began last April, after three domestic makers filed for anti-dumping duties to be imposed on graphite electrodes from China.



The electrodes are used in electric arc furnaces that melt scrap to make steel, and are essential for recycling.



The report says imports of graphite electrodes from China have been on the rise since 2018, while sales of domestically made products have been falling.



The report says the unreasonably low prices of the imports makes it difficult for Japanese firms to set prices that meet their production costs, and are suffering as a result.