US sets 15% polysilicon tariff, price floors to challenge China’s dominance

The United States has announced new tariffs and price floors on polysilicon and related products, aiming to challenge China's dominance in key materials used in solar panels and semiconductor manufacturing. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a 15% tariff, effective after 120 days, and establishing a series of price floors to protect domestic manufacturers and curb imports of China-sourced materials.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized the need for foundational products to be made in the US and the creation of a protected domestic market for polysilicon, which is essential for semiconductor and solar panel production. The move comes after a Commerce Department investigation into imports of polysilicon and its derivatives, launched in July 2025 under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

China has expressed opposition to the announcement, accusing the US of protectionism and retaliating with its own measures, including tighter export controls on drones and related technologies, sanctions against US companies, and a national security investigation.

Brief written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's own syndicated text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.