Gov't, businesses meet over U.S. polysilicon tariffs

SEOUL, Aug. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea convened a meeting with relevant ministries and companies on Tuesday to address the effects of the latest U.S. tariffs on polysilicon and explore potential countermeasures. Attendees included officials from the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, leading firms such as Samsung Electronics Co., OCI Company Ltd., and other industry stakeholders.

The gathering, chaired by Deputy Minister for Trade Park Jung-sung, focused on strategies to mitigate the impact of Washington's recent tariffs. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources reported that the government is committed to providing timely and targeted support for local businesses affected by the trade measure. The meeting occurred in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump signing a proclamation last week imposing a 15 percent tariff on polysilicon derivative products, set to commence at 12:01 a.m. on Dec.

4 (U.S. time). The latest tariff action was taken under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which empowers the president to modify imports if deemed to jeopardize national security.