Trump announced a tariff on polycrystal silicon and its derivatives

On 7 August, local time, United States President Trump signed an executive order under section 232 of the Trade Extension Act 1962 to introduce minimum import prices and additional tariffs on imports of polycrystal silicon and its derivatives to support the United States domestic supply chain of polycrystal silicon, semiconductor and solar energy. The bulletin states that the minimum import prices are: $21 per kilogram for polycrystal silicon; $100 per kilogram for polycrystal silicon and crystal round; $0.22 per watt for solar cells; and $0.38 per watt for solar assemblies. At the same time, the United States will impose an ad valorem tariff of 15 per cent on the polycrystalsin and related derivatives listed in the annex to the bulletin. The measures will take effect from 12:01 hours Eastern United States time on 4 December 2026. The bulletin also authorized the Department of Commerce to establish a “Return America” incentive scheme. If an enterprise undertakes to build, refurbish or expand a polycrystal silicon, silicate, crystal round or solar cell production facility in the United States and to commence work before 20 January 2029, it may apply for exemption from the 232 tariff on imported equipment and related products. (observed)