US tariffs on polysilicon — The United States, under President Donald Trump, has introduced new tariffs and minimum import prices targeting polysilicon and solar products in an effort to shield domestic manufacturers from Chinese competition. The announcement was made on August 6, 2026, with the White House stating that the measures will take effect on December 4.

The new policy, enacted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, sets a 15% tariff on products made from polysilicon—a high-purity form of silicon essential for producing semiconductors, including artificial intelligence chips, as well as solar panels. According to the White House, the minimum import prices will be set at $21 per kilogram for polysilicon, $100 per kilogram for polysilicon ingots and wafers, $0.22 per watt for solar cells, and $0.38 per watt for solar modules.

Polysilicon is a critical material in both the electronics and renewable energy sectors. It is refined into silicon wafers, which are then used to manufacture solar cells and various electronic components. In the solar industry, these cells are assembled into modules that generate electricity. The new tariffs and price floors are designed to counter what US officials describe as unfair pricing practices by Chinese producers, who have dominated the global supply of polysilicon and related products.

The measures also authorize the US Department of Commerce to establish an incentive program for companies investing in domestic polysilicon production or related manufacturing. The Trump administration argues that these steps are necessary to secure the supply chain for advanced technologies and renewable energy, areas considered vital for national security and economic competitiveness.

The move is expected to have significant repercussions for global trade in technology and renewable energy, potentially affecting supply chains and prices worldwide. It also signals a continued hardline stance by the United States in its economic rivalry with China, particularly in sectors deemed strategic for the future.