US President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on imported polysilicon and related products, aiming to reduce US reliance on China for key materials used in semiconductors and solar panels. The measures, which take effect on 4 December, impose a 15% tariff on polysilicon imports and derivatives, introduce minimum import prices, and include anti-stockpiling provisions to prevent companies from avoiding the higher duties.
The move follows a Commerce Department national security investigation into the polysilicon supply chain and forms part of a broader effort to shift critical manufacturing away from China. The White House said the policy would strengthen domestic semiconductor production and support the expansion of US manufacturing linked to artificial intelligence.
China currently dominates global polysilicon production, and the announcement comes amid escalating trade tensions after Beijing recently introduced new restrictions on drone exports to the United States. Supporters of the tariffs said the measures provide unprecedented protection for the US solar and semiconductor industries by encouraging domestic investment and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
Source: Politico
