President Donald Trump has announced a 15% tariff on polysilicon and related processed products used in the semiconductor and solar industries. To prevent the influx of low-priced imports, a minimum import price for these products has also been established.
On June 6, the White House reported that President Trump signed a proclamation to restrict imports of polysilicon and related products. This measure will take effect on December 4 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time.
The 15% tariff will apply to products such as polysilicon ingots, wafers, solar cells, and solar modules. Products from South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the European Union (EU), Switzerland, and Liechtenstein will be subject to a combined tariff rate of 15%, including the existing general tariff. A 10% tariff under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act will apply to products from the United Kingdom.
Minimum import prices have also been set: $21 per kilogram for polysilicon, $100 per kilogram for ingots and wafers, $0.22 per watt for solar cells, and $0.38 per watt for solar modules.
If the declared price is lower than the minimum import price, a separate tariff will be imposed on the difference. Without proper documentation, the full minimum import price tariff may be applied. This action aims to protect U.S. companies from overseas overproduction and low-priced imports.
This decision is based on the findings of a Section 232 investigation initiated by the U.S. Department of Commerce in July of last year. This provision allows the president to impose tariffs or restrict imports if it is determined that certain products threaten national security.
President Trump stated, "Polysilicon is a foundational material that supports the security of the U.S. semiconductor and solar power supply chains. We are taking action to revive the U.S. polysilicon industry."
The White House noted that the U.S. share of global polysilicon production capacity has fallen from about 50% in 2005 to less than 2% in 2024.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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