In brief
President Donald Trump signed an executive order setting a 15% tariff and minimum import prices on polysilicon, a critical material for chips and solar panels. The measure is aimed at protecting U.S. manufacturers from Chinese dominance and takes effect in December. Beijing has described the tariffs as disruptive and pledged countermeasures, while Washington highlights the move as part of its strategy to safeguard its supply chains against a rival technology giant.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday that imposes a 15% tariff on imported products made from polysilicon – a key component used in semiconductors and solar panels.
The order also sets minimum import prices for polysilicon and related materials, following a national‑security review focused on overseas production of the material.
Trump justified the move by stating that foreign firms have weakened U.S. producers in the polysilicon sector over the years and that the tariffs will help protect American jobs and bolster the economy.
China’s embassy in Washington labeled the measure as “seriously disruptive” for trade and warned Beijing would act to protect its companies. It also slammed the United States as “abusing state power to go after Chinese businesses” and argued protectionism would not make the U.S. more competitive.
The tariff is slated to take effect in December, with the U.S. also offering incentives to boost domestic polysilicon production.
Polysilicon is vital for military equipment, electronics and the ongoing AI race between the U.S. and China. China holds a near‑monopoly on the material, while U.S. firms like Hemlock Semiconductor and Wacker Chemie stand to benefit from the new policy.
The move follows other U.S. restrictions on drones, humanoid robots and other tech products from China. China has announced tighter export controls on drones and is conducting a national‑security review of imported printers and copiers in response.
